Synthesis and Analysis of Alum

This experiment will introduce you to several fascinating aspects of the chemistry
of aluminum and its compounds. Aluminum metal reacts with either strong acids or
strong bases. Aluminum (III) hydroxide, one step in the reaction process, is called
amphoteric because it dissolves in either an acid or a base. In this experiment you will
synthesize a crystal of alum and calculate the theoretical and percent yield of the product.
After completing the synthesis you will determine the purity of the Alum using several
analytical techniues.
!efore performing the experiment, read the procedure and write a balanced euation
(including s, l, a and g) for each step of the synthesis. "int# you may need to use water
to balance some of the euations.
Hypothesis: $etermine the theoretical yield for the Alum and hypothesize which
analytical techniue will provide the most accurate analysis of the Alum.
Procedure:
%art A
&. 'easure out &.((( g of aluminum. )ut the aluminum into as small of pieces as
possible.
*. I+ T", -.', "//$ dissolve the aluminum by adding it slowly to &0.( ml of 1 '
2/" in a large bea3er to form Al(/")
4
5
complex ion 3nown as aluminate.
1. .sing gravity filtration to filter the solution and remove any remaining particulates.
4. To the filtered solution add &0.( ml of 6 ' "
*
7/
4
, slowly, with constant stirring to
form solid Aluminum hydroxide which dissolves in excess strong acid to form the
complex ion, Al("
*
/)
8
19
. (write two separate euations for this step)
0. If the solution is not completely clear heat the solution in a fume hood on a low
setting until it becomes clear.
8. )over the bea3er and allow the Al("
*
/)
8
19
to combine with potassium cations and
sulfate anions and crystallize overnight.
%art A# After crystallization
:. .se a !uchner funnel, suction filtration, to capture the crystals that have formed.
;ash the crystals with two *0 ml portions of ethanol solution to dry the crystals.
<. =ecord the room temperature and the mass of the crystals.
Calculations: Part A
&. )alculate your actual yield and percent yield.
*. >oo3 up the solubility of Alum in water at the room temperature. $etermine how
much Alum was dissolved and add that mass to your actual yield and recalculate the
percent yield.
Procedure: Part B Analysis of chemical and physical properties.
-lame test
&. .se a flame loop and test a small amount of the crystal in the !unsen burner flame.
*. =ecord the resultant color.
?ravimetric analysis for 7/
4
*5
anion
&. 'ass lg of the sample and dissolve in 0( ml of water.
*. ;rite a balanced euation for the reaction of the Alum and strontium nitrate.
)alculate the volume of strontium nitrate needed to react completely with the Alum.
$ouble the calculated volume and add it to the Alum.
1. "eat the solution, but do not boil, for fifteen minutes.
4. -ilter the solution using a pre5weighed filter paper.
0. $ry the precipitate overnight.
8. =ecord the mass of the precipitate.
%ercentage of water in a "ydrate
&. 'ass & g of the sample.
*. Transfer the sample to a pre5weighed dry, crucible.
1. "eat the crucible with the lid as3ew for &( minutes.
4. Allow to cool for * minutes and mass.
0. =eheat the crucible with its lid as3ew for 0 more minutes, cool for * minutes and
mass. If the mass has not changed by more the .(* then record the final mass. If it
changes reheat and cool until the mass is constant.
%hysical %roperties
&. =ecord the color, shape and odor of the Alum.
*. 'elt the Alum in a small bea3er on a hot plate until it is all dissolved. =ecord the
temperature of the sample as it cools and recrystallizes.
)alculations# %art !
&. )alculate the mass percent of 7/
4
*5
and water in the Alum from your data.
*. )alculate the theoretical mass percent using a published formula of alum.