Lab:

Analysis of a Hydrated Compound

Introduction
A major emphasis of laboratory work for a chemist is determining the composition of a compound. By keeping
track of mass and breaking a compound into its component pieces, the pieces can be measured and the
composition determined.

In this lab you will be working with a hydrated copper(II) sulfate compound. Hydrated ionic compounds (i.e.,
hydrates) have a specific number of water molecules in their chemical formulas. In the solid, these water
molecules (also called "waters of hydration") are part of the structure of the compound. Using careful lab
technique you will determine the number of waters of hydration, x, for the copper(II) sulfate compound.

CuSO4 nH2O

You will be heating a hydrate of copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4 nH2O) to drive off the water. Masses are taken before
heating to determine the mass of the original sample (the hydrate) and after heating to determine the mass of
copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4) remaining. The difference between these two masses is equal to the mass of the water
lost. Heating time and temperature are critically important for this experiment. If not enough heat is applied, some
water will remain attached to the copper sulfate producing a low calculated mass percent water for the hydrate. If
too much heat is applied, the anhydrous copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4), which has a grayish white color, can be
decomposed to copper (II) sulfide, a black colored compound.

Safety Precautions
-Wear chemical splash goggles and chemical resistant apron.

-Do not touch any chemicals. If you get a chemical on your skin or clothing, wash the chemical off at the sink while
calling to your teacher. Make sure you carefully read the labels and follow the precautions on all containers of
chemicals that you use. If there are no precautions stated on the label, ask your teacher what precautions you should
follow. Do not taste any chemicals or items used in the laboratory. Never return leftovers to their original containers;
take only small amounts to avoid wasting supplies.

-Bunsen burners or other sources of heat will be used. Assume all glassware is hot even if it looks cool. Use
appropriate tongs or heat resistant gloves.

-Avoid contact of all chemicals with eyes and skin and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the
laboratory.

Chemicals
Equipment
copper(II) sulfate unknown hydrate (CuSO4 nH2O)
Bunsen Burner

Crucible and cover

Crucible tongs

Balance

Procedure
1. Clean and dry a small ceramic crucible and cover as indicated by your instructor.
After you have washed the crucible and lid, use only tongs (not your hands) to
handle them.
2. Using tongs, transfer the crucible and lid (still closed) to a wire gauze and carry
them to the balance. Its okay if you need to remove the lid momentarily to
transfer the crucible & lid separately to the wire gauze. Mass the crucible and lid
(together) carefully to the nearest 0.01g and record the mass in the Data Table
provided.
3. Add approximately 2.5- 3.5g of the copper (II) sulfate hydrate to the crucible and
mass the crucible with the hydrate and the lid again to the nearest 0.01g. Record
the mass in the Data Table.
4. With the lid slightly ajar, heat the crucible gently (crucible should NOT glow red;
use the top of the outer flame, not the inner flame) for about 12 minutes.
5. Turn off the Bunsen burner and use tongs to close the lid. Allow the crucible with sample and closed lid to cool for 5
minutes, then mass to the nearest 0.01g, recording the mass in the Data Table.
6. During the time you are cooling the sample and crucible you can be working on your other assignments for the course.
Do not sit idly. Use your time wisely.
7. Reheat the sample for 2-3 minutes (with lid slightly ajar), cool (with lid closed) and mass again.
8. This should be repeated until the successive masses are constant within 0.03g. We say that the sample has been
heated to constant mass. When the masses are constant, record the lowest mass as the final mass.
9. ONCE YOU HAVE FINISHED HEATING TO CONSTANT MASS use a pipette to transfer a few drops of water to your
anhydrous sample to rehydrate it. Notice what happens to the color. The anhydrous and hydrated samples often
have different colors.
10. Transfer the sample from your crucible to the waste as indicated by your instructor. Rinse and dry the crucible.