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Title:Preparation of Sodium Citrate

(C6H5Na3O7,2H2O , Mol.Wt. 294.1)

Chemicals required:
1)Citric acid, Anhydrous (or Monohydrate) 2)Sodium carbonate. 3)Calcium chloride(10%w/v) 4)Acetic acid(6M) 5)Magnesium uranyl acetate solution(IP).

Apparatus required:
1) Beakers(250ml,100ml), 2)Glass rods, 5)Filter papers,6) A funnel.7)Measuring cylinders.8)Bunsen burner.

Theory:
It is prepared by neutralizing calculated amount of citric acid solution with sodium carbonate solution.When the effervescence ceases, the solution is heated to super-saturation or nearly dryness, and crystallization is allowed. 3Na2CO3+ 2H3C6H5O7 2Na3C6H5O7 + 3CO2+ 3H2O

Procedure:
Prepare an aqueous solution of citric acid, anhydrous or monohydrate by dissolving 15.g or 16.35g of respective substances in 20ml of water. In the same manner prepare an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate by

dissolving 13.0g of the substance in 40ml of water. Start adding the solution of sodium carbonate into the solution of citric acid. The reaction will create a vigorous fizzing sound as an indication that carbon dioxide is being produced. Keep adding the sodium carbonate solution until the solution stops fizzing. This is a sign that the complete neutralization has taken place. Do not add excess sodium carbonate solution. Then boil the solution to super-saturation or nearly dryness (avoid overheating and charring) . Then solution is allowed to cool. Scratch the wall of glassware containing the saturated solution with glass rod to facilitate the crystallization. . Dry the crystals of sodium citrate (dihydrate) between the folds of filter paper. Take the yield and identify the substance.

Observation:
Yield: Identification: For Sodium salts A)Acidify a solution of the substance under examination with 1 M acetic acid and add a large excess of magnesium uranynl acetate solution, a yellow. Crystalline precipitate is formed Complies/Does not comply. B)When a solution of the salt is heated in non-luminous flame, yellow light is observed. Complies/Does not comply. For Citrates To a neutral solution of the substance under examination add a solution of calcium chloride; no precipitate is produced. Boil the solution; a white precipitate soluble in 6M acetic acid is produced Complies/Does not comply.

Sodium citrate