Experiment 4: Determination of the Formula of a Hydrate

Report by: Scott De Sagon Magic Marc Tiglao Isabella Catindig

INTRODUCTION

A hydrate is a compound formed by the synthesis reaction of a specific quantity of salt and a definite amount of water. When water binds with the base molecule of salt (inorganic hydrate) or if it blends completely with the entire molecule (organic hydrate), a process called water hydration occurs. A change of color is manifested between a hydrate and its anhydrate, a compound formed through the removal of water and an alteration to the crystalline structure of the salt is present due to the coupling of water into its composition.

OBJECTIVES
to calculate the number of moles of both the water and CuSO4 to be able to determine the formula of the hydrate.

METHODOLOGY

 Secure a clean and dry test tube and cover with a cork stopper.

Place stoppered test tube in 100mL beaker and weigh.

Place approx. 1g of copper sulfate crystals in test tube and stopper it.

Return the test tube to beaker and weigh. Heat copper sulfate crystals over a blue Bunsen flame until all crystals are decomposed.

When all crystals are converted to powder, evaporate moisture by heating the upper portion of the test tube. Cover test tube then wait for it to cool.
Place stoppered test tube in beaker and weigh. Calculate the formula of the hydrate.

DATA & RESULTS

Table 1 Experimental Data obtained during the experiment

Beaker+test tube+stopper+crystal before heating 71.47 g Beaker+ test tube+ stopper 70.70 g Beaker+test tube+stopper+crystal after heating 71.17 g Residue (CuSO4) 0.47 g Loss in weight upon heating (weight of H2O) 0.3 g Formula weight of CuSO4 159.601 g/mol Formula weight of H2O 18.00598 g/mol Moles of CuSO4 0.002944843 mole Moles of H2O 0.016661131 mole CuSO4 :H2O 1:5 Formula of Hydrate CuSO4 5H2O

CALCULATIONS

DISCUSSION

It is possible to remove the water of hydration in a hydrate through heating a simple decomposition reaction. The formula of a hydrate can be determined by dehydrating a known mass of the hydrate, then comparing the masses of the original hydrate and the resulting anhydrous solid. The law of conservation of mass was observed in calculating the unknowns. Finally, the formula of a hydrate in the form of [Anhydrous Solid XH2O] was determined through the mole ratio.

CONCLUSION

The formula of the hydrate CuSO4 5H2O is named as copper sulfate pentahydrate. It means that for every mole of CuSO4 there are 5 moles of H2O.
Number of Moles in H2O : 0.016661131 mole Number of Moles in CuSO4 : 0.002944843 mole

REFERENCES
Chang, R. (2007). Chemistry Ninth Edition. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.: New York. Durka, D. (nd.). What Is a Hydrate in Chemistry? eHow.com. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_4701686_what-hydratechemistry.html. Judge, M. (nd.). Uses of Copper II Sulfate Hydrate.eHow.com. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8130399_usescopper-ii-sulfate-hydrate.html. Crampton, L. (nd.). What is a Hydrate (Chemistry).HubPages.com. Retrieved from http://hubpages.com/hub/What-is-a-Hydrate-Chemistry