Chemistry Projects at the K-11 and K-12 grades require application of the theoretical concepts

studied in class. Transition metals are studied under the d-block. One of the peculiar
characteristics of transition metals is formation of alloys. Alloys are solid homogeneous solutions
of two or more solids. In an alloy, two or more elements combine such that at least one is a metal,
and the resultant material has metallic properties. Alloys are designed to have properties that are
more desirable than those of pure metals. Steel is stronger than iron, while brass, an alloy of
copper and zinc is more durable than copper and more attractive than zinc in appearance.

Unlike pure metals, alloys do not have a single melting point. They possess a melting range.
Alloys improve properties of metals, by increasing hardness, tensile strength, chemical resistance
and attractive appeal by modifying color.

Alloys of Zinc and Copper are widely used in everyday life and known to all of us. Detection of the
presence of the metals used to prepare these alloys can be achieved through semi-micro
qualitative analysis. These tests are useful both for the student of chemistry as well as for a
forensic laboratory chemist.

Laboratory work in alloy analysis involves a three step protocol

1. Grinding the alloy sample to a fine particulate powder.
2. Digesting the sample in an appropriate acid.
3. Detection of the metal ions in the alloy.

Alloy %composition
Brass Zn-20-40% &Cu-60-80%
Bronze Zn-10% &Cu -90%

Tests for Brass & Bronze include tests for Zn and Cu metals
1. Zn was detected with potassium ferrocyanide test and the Sodium hydroxide test
2. Cu was detected with Potassium ferrocyanide, potassium iodide and liquid ammonia tests.

Uses of Brass - Resistance wires, cookware, condenser tubes, locks, gears, bearings,
doorknobs, ammunition, and valves; for plumbing and electrical applications; in musical
instruments such as horns and bells for its acoustic properties and manufacture of zippers.

Uses of Bronze - Statues, coins, windings of steel strings of various stringed instruments such as
the double bass, piano, harpsichord, and the guitar, springs, turbines and blades, hammers,
mallets, wrenches and other durable tools.

Chemical Reactions -
For Cu Analysis :
Liquid ammonia test -
Cu(NO3)2+4NH4OH--> [Cu(NH3)4][NO3]2+4H2O-Deep blue solution

Potassium ferrocyanide test -

[Cu(NH3)4]SO4+4CH3COOH--> CuSO4+ 4CH3COONH4
2CuSO4+ K4 [Fe(CN)6]-->Cu2[Fe(CN)6]+2K2SO4 - Chocolate brown precipitate

Potassium iodide test

2CuSO4+ 4KI-->Cu2I2 (white precipitate) +I2 (brown coloration)+2K2SO4

For Zn Analysis
1. Sodium Hydroxide test
ZnCl2+2NaOH-->Zn(OH)2 white precipitate + 2NaCl
Zn(OH)2+2NaOH--> Na2ZnO2 soluble in excess NaOH+2H2O

2. Potassium ferrocyanide test

2ZnCl2+K4 [Fe(CN)6]-->Zn2[Fe(CN)6] bluish white precipitate +4KCl

A transition metal forms an alloy with another transition metal ion with ease because of the
similarity in atomic size. The lattice site in the crystal structure of one transition metal can be
occupied by other transition metals giving a homogeneous solid solution termed as an alloy.
Mutual substitution of one or more metals leads to the formation binary, ternary or tertiary alloys.
Hardness, resistance to corrosion, tensile strength, load bearing capacity are some of the
properties which can be bettered by alloy formation. Actual lab analysis impresses the
composition of the alloy for the student.

(Acknowledgments - The experiments for the analysis of the metal ions as well as procuring
samples of alloys, digesting alloys of bronze and brass were carried out by Anchit R.Giri and
Shashwat Kishore of Class XII, R.N Podar CBSE Senior Secondary High School, Santacruz(W).)

Introduction

An alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals or a metal and non-metal.

They are generally harder than their components with reduced

malleability andductility. Alloys are prepared to enhance certain
characteristics of the constituent metals, as per requirement.

In this project, we shall qualitatively anayze the chemical composition of two alloys:

J$rass and J$ronze

Aim of the Experiment

General objective:

This project is being carried out with a view to increase the appreciation of alloy-analysis as
an important branch of chemistry. The hands-on laboratory experience gained is highly
beneficial in understanding the general procedure of qualitative analysis of an unknown
sample.

Specific objective:

In this project, we shall be analyzing the constituents of Brass and Bronze.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

1) BRASS AND BRONZE PIECES

2) china dishes

3)) FILTRATION APPARATUS

4) NITRIC ACID

5) HYDROGEN SULPHIDE GAS

7)) AMMONIUM CHLORIDE

8)) POTASSIUM FERROCYANIIDE

9) AMMONIUM SULPHIDE

10) DIL HYDROCHLORIC ACID

Theory
Brass

Brass contains Cu and Zn . Both dissolve in nitric acid.

4Zn+ 10 HNO3= 4Zn{NO)i + N2O + 5HO 3Cu + 8 HNO3= 3Cu(NO3)2 + 4HO+2NO

Further analysis is carried out for respective ions.

Cu dissolves in H2S to give black ppt. of CuS. It is filtered to get the soln of Zinc Sulphide. It
precipitates out in the form of ZnCl2 in an ammoniacal soln. of Ammonium chloride. The
precipitate is dissolved in dilute HCl and then treated with Potassium ferrocyanide to get a
bluish-white ppt. of Zn2[Fe(CN)6].

Bronze

Bronze contains Cu and Sn. Their nitrates are obtained by dissolving the sample in conc. Nitric
acid. The nitrates are precipitated as sulphides by passing H2S through their solution in dil.
HCl.

The CuS is insoluble in yellow ammonium sulphide, while SnS is soluble. The ppt. is separated
by filtration.

The ppt. is dissolved in cone HNO3 and then Ammonium hydroxide solution is passed through
it.Blue colouration confirms the presense of Cu.

The filtrate is treated with conc. HCl followed by Zinc dust to obtain SnCl2 . Then
HgCl2 solution is added. Formation of slate-coloured ppt. indicates the presence of Sn.

SnS2 +HCl(conc)= SnCh + H2S

SnCl4 +Fe= SnCh+FeCh

SnCl2 + HgCl2 = Hg2Cl2 + SnCh

Detail of Procedure/Observations Brass,:

1. 1. A small piece of brass was placed in a china dish and dissolved in minimum quantity
of 50%conc.1¥UOs.
2. 2. The soln. was heated to obtain a dry residue. The residue was dissolved in Dilute
H(?l.
gas was passed and a black.ppt. was (observed. The soln. was filtered and the ppt. was
dissolved in NH4OH soln. A blue coloration observed indicates the presence of Cu. 4. The
filtrate was tested for presence of Zn.

Ammonium hydroxide and chloride solutions were added and then H2S gas was passed. A dull
grey ppt. was separated and dissolved in dil. H(£l followed by addition of Potassium

ferrocyanide. A bluish white ppt. confirms the presense of Zn.

Bronfe:

1. 1. The sample was dissolved in 50% HNO3 and then heated to obtain nitrates.
2. 2. The nitrates were dissolved in dil. H(£l and then precipitated as sulphides by
passing H2S
gas.

1. 3. The precipitates were treated with yellow amm.sulphide when a part of it dissolves.
The soln. was filtered.
 2. 4. The ppt. was tested for Cu as in the case of
brass.

5. The filtrate was treated with conc.

HCl followed

by Fe dust.

6. Then HgCl2 soln. was added. Formation of a

slate-coloured ppt. confirmed the presence of
Sn.

Conclusion

Brass contains Copper and

Bronze contains Copper and Tin.

Bibliography

1. 1. Comprehensive practical Chemistry- Class 12.

2. Inorganic Chemistry by

3. www.niton.com

1. 4. VMw.alloyanalyzer.niit.edu
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