EXPERIMENT 4.

AIM To study the effects of acid and alkali on latex.

PROBLEM What are the effects of acid and alkali on latex?

STATEMENT

HYPOTHESIS Acid will cause latex to coagulate while alkali will prevent it from coagulating.

VARIABLES ( a ) that is kept constant : Volume of latex

( b ) that is manipulated : The presence of acid or alkali

( c ) that responds : Coagulation of latex

MATERIALS Latex, ethanoic acid , ammonia solution

APPARATUS Beakers, glass rod, dropper, cellophane tape.

PROCEDURE

1. Put 20 cm latex into each three beakers labeled A, B and C.

2. To beaker A, put ethanoic acid drop by drop. Stir well after each addition.

3. To beaker B, put ammonia solution drop by drop. Stir well after each addition.

4. The latex in Beaker C is stirred and allowed it to stand for a day.

5. Observe and record any changes to the latex in the three beakers after 30 minutes.

6. The three beakers are left for one day, the changes in the latex are observed again.

OBSERVATION Condition of latex Coagulation of

Type of chemical added latex
After After
30 minutes 24 hour
Ethanoic acid Liquid Solid Coagulate
Ammonia solution Liquid Liquid No coagulate
None Liquid Solid Coagulate
DISCUSSION 1. What chemical can cause latex to coagulate?
Ethanoic acid

2. What are changes to the molecular structure of rubber during coagulation?

When acid is added to latex, the positively charge hydrogen ions will neutralise the
negative charges of the membrane. The neutral particles collide when come close
together. The protein membrane breaks down releasing the molecules which combine
with each other coagulating into a solid mass, normally formic acid or ethanoic acid is
added to coagulate latex to make rubber sheets.

3. How can coagulation be prevented?

Coagulation of latex may be prevented by the addition of ammonia to the latex. The
negatively charged hydroxide ions from the ammonia solution increase the repelling
force between the latex particles. The hydroxide ions will also neutralise any
hydrogen ions
produced by bacteria.

4.Why does latex coagulate when exposed to air?

The reaction of bacteria with latex can releases acid causing the latex to coagulate
and emitting a foul smell.

CONCLUSION Hypothesis is accepted. Acid will cause latex to coagulate while

alkali will prevent it from coagulating.