UNIT 2

CHEMISTRY
PRACTICALS
2010 - 2011

Table of Contents
Page
Title
Module Skills tested
#
3
Standardisation of sodium hydroxide
2
5
Calibration of a pipette
2
ORR, A&I
6
Redox Titration / H2O2 vs KMnO4
2
M&M
8
Back Titration
2
10
Gravimetric analysis of hydrated salt
2
11
Flame tests
2
12
Reactions of ethanol
1
ORR,A&I
13
Paper Chromatography
2
14 Theoretical: Functional groups in organic compounds
1
15
Water polluting inorganic ions
3
16
Distillation of a sample of rum
3
17
Salted peanuts Fuller
2
P&D
18
Identity of sample X
3
M&M, A&I
19
Comparing simple and fractional distillation
2
20
Margarine vs Butter
1
P&D

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

MODULE 2
TITLE:

page 3 of 20

STANDARDISATION OF HYDROCHLORIC ACID

SKILLS TESTED: None

AIM: The purpose of this experiment is to determine the concentration of a solution of hydrochloric acid using
a standard solution of sodium carbonate.
Introduction: The salt reacts with hydrochloric acid in a 1: 2 molar ratio (1 mole sodium carbonate : 2 moles
acid). In this experiment you will prepare a standard solution of sodium carbonate and titrate this solution
against a solution of hydrochloric acid of unknown concentration using methyl orange as indicator.
Procedure A: Preparation of the standard solution.
1. Weigh 2.0 g of sodium carbonate to the nearest 0.01g. Dissolve the solid in the minimum amount of
water.
2. Record your readings in the table below.
3. Transfer the solid and washings to a volumetric flask. Your teacher will guide you.
4. Add distilled water, swirling at intervals to mix the contents, until the level is within 1 cm of the
calibration mark on the neck of the flask.
5. Using a wash bottle, carefully add distilled water to bring the bottom of the meniscus to the mark.
6. Insert the stopper and shake thoroughly (by inversion) to ensure complete mixing.
Procedure B:
1. Rinse and fill the burette with hydrochloric acid solution. Record the initial burette reading.
2. Using a pipette filler, rinse the pipette with some of the sodium carbonate solution and carefully transfer
25cm3 of the solution to a clean conical flask.
3. Add 2 drops of the methyl orange indicator and swirl the flask.
4. Run hydrochloric acid from the burette into the flask, with swirling until an orange colour (with a hint of
pink) permanent colouration is seen. Record the burette reading.
5. Repeat the titrations as many times as is necessary to obtain consistent results.
6. Do NOT write a full lab report. Complete the table and write your answers on the dotted lines on
THIS paper.
Results and calculations:
Molar mass of sodium carbonate (g)
Mass of weighing bottle + sodium carbonate (g)
Mass of weighing bottle (g)
Mass of sodium carbonate (g)
Molar concentration of sodium carbonate (mol dm-3)

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

Burette
Reading/cm3
(to 2 decimal
places)
Final

Trial

page 4 of 20
2

Initial
Volume used/cm3
average titre/cm3

(please tick the values used to determine your average)

Treatment of results:
1. Write a balanced equation for the reaction between sodium carbonate and hydrochloric acid.

2. Calculate the number of moles of sodium carbonate in 25 cm 3 of the standard solution.

..
3. Using the molar ratio of acid to alkali, calculate the number of moles of hydrochloric acid in the mean
volume of acid used.

4. Hence, calculate the molar concentration of the hydrochloric acid solution

5. Calculate the mass concentration of the hydrochloric acid solution.

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

MODULE 2
TITLE:

page 5 of 20

CALIBRATION OF A PIPETTE

Skills tested: ORR, A&I

INTRODUCTION: In this experiment, you will accurately determine the volume of a 10 cm 3 pipette which is
advertised as being 10cm3+/- 0.06 cm3 . This will be achieved by measuring the mass of water transferred by
the pipette, followed by calculating the volume of that mass of water using the known density of water. Without
calibration, a systematic error of unknown magnitude may exist.
PROCEDURE
1. Collect distilled water in a beaker and let it stand for about 15 minutes before determining the
temperature of the water.
2. Weigh the dry empty beaker on the balance.
3. Using the pipette filler, fill and discharge the pipette into the pre-weighed beaker.
4. Determine the mass of water discharged.
5. Repeat steps 3 4 until you have results for 5 trials. N.B. You do not need to empty and dry the beaker
between trials.
6. Determine the temperature of the water you have pipetted and take the mean of the two temperatures
you have measured. This value will be used as the temperature of the water during the calibration.
7. Write a full lab report.
Calculations
1. Calculate the mean of the five trials.
2. Use the following table to determine the density of water at the temperature of your determination by
drawing a calibration curve:
X T/oC

26

28

30

32

34

36

Y Density /gcm-3 0.99678 0.99623 0.99565 0.99503 0.99438 0.99369

3. Using your answer from question 2 determine the mean volume of water discharged from the pipette.
4. Locate a group in the lab that has a pipette with a volume fairly close to yours. Collect the data from
that group and determine the standard deviation of the ten data points.
5. Report the pipette volume and the error
6. Comment on the accuracy and precision of the pipette.
7. Discuss any sources of error in your experiment.

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

MODULE 2
TITLE:

page 6 of 20

REDOX TITRATION

SKILLS TESTED: M&M, A&I

AIM:

To determine the concentration of a solution of hydrogen peroxide

Introduction
Your task is to use 0.020 moldm-3 potassium manganate (VII) solution to find the actual concentration of a
solution of hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, which is believed to have partially decomposed.
Procedure
a)

Prepare 250 cm3 of a solution of hydrogen peroxide by adding 7.5 cm3 of the stock solution
supplied to the volumetric flask and diluting to the required volume.

b)

Pipette 25.0 cm3 of this solution into a conical flask.

c)

Add 25 cm3 of 1 mol dm-3 sulphuric acid in a measuring cylinder.

d)

Titrate the mixture against the potassium manganate (VII) until a permanent pale pink colour
appears in the conical flask.

e)

Record the titre volume and repeat until concordant values are obtained.

f)

Do not write a full lab report, write your results in the table below and answer the questions that
follow.

Results
Burette
Reading/cm3
(to 2 decimal
places)
Final

Trial

Initial
Volume
used/cm3
average
titre/cm3

(please tick the values used to determine your average)

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

page 7 of 20

Questions
1. Write the relevant half equations for
i) the reduction of MnO4- ions to Mn2+ in acidic solution
ii) the oxidation of H2O2 to O2 in acidic solution
2. Using the two half equations from question 1, write the full balanced ionic equation.
3. If the stock solution of hydrogen peroxide had a molar concentration of 1.67 mol dm-3, determine the
molar concentration of the hydrogen peroxide solution prepared by you.
4. Determine the molar concentration of the hydrogen peroxide solution prepared by you using your
titration results.
5. Determine the error in your results.
6. Suggest a reason for the partial decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide.

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

MODULE 2
TITLE:
BACK TITRATION

page 8 of 20

SKILLS TESTED: None

AIM:

To determine the percentages of calcium carbonate and calcium chloride in a mixture of the two.

THEORY:
Sometimes a direct titration would involve a reaction which is too slow and thus an incomplete reaction would
occur, therefore a back titration is more suitable. In a back titration, a known excess of the reagent is used to
ensure complete reaction and then a second reagent is titrated against the mixture which reacts with the
remaining reagent which allows via calculation, the amount of the reagent that was used in the initial reaction.
PROCEDURE:
1. Weigh 1.5 g of the solid mixture of calcium carbonate and calcium chloride and place in a conical flask.
2. Measure 25 cm3 of the 1 mol dm-3 HCl solution and place in the conical flask.
3. Rinse and fill the burette with 0.2 mol dm-3 NaOH solution.
4. Once all effervescence in the conical flask has ceased, add 2 drops of phenolphthalein indicator to the flask
and swirl the flask.
5. Titrate the sodium hydroxide against the reaction mixture until the first permanent pale pink colour is seen.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 until consistent results are obtained. (In the interest of time and materials, please try to
be as accurate as possible to minimise the number of trials)
7. Do not write a full lab report. Record your readings in the table below and answer the questions that follow.
RESULTS
Burette
Reading/cm3
(to 2 decimal
places)
Final

Trial

Initial
Volume
used/cm3
Average volume (please tick the values used to determine your average)

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

page 9 of 20

TREATMENT OF RESULTS
1.

Calculate the # of mol of HCl placed in the conical flask.

2.

Using the average volume of NaOH used, calculate the # of mol of NaOH used in the titration.

3.

Write the balanced equation for the reaction between HCl and NaOH and thus determine the # of
mol of HCl remaining after the initial reaction in the conical flask was complete.

4.

Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction between calcium carbonate and HCl.

5.

Using your answers from question 1 and question 3, determine the # of mol of HCl that reacted with
the calcium carbonate.

6.

Determine
a) the # of mol of CaCO3
b) the mass of CaCO3 present in the mixture

7.

Hence calculate the percentages of CaCO3 and CaCl2 present in the solid mixture.

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

MODULE 2
TITLE:
GRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS

page 10 of 20

SKILLS TESTED: None

AIM: To determine the water of crystallisation in hydrated magnesium sulphate using a volatilisation
method.
INTRODUCTION:
Water of crystallisation forms an integral part of the crystalline structure of a stable ionic solid. This water is
considered to be one type of essential water and is distinct from water released when compounds are
decomposed by heat. In this experiment, a sample of hydrated magnesium sulphate will be converted to the
anhydrous salt and the decrease in mass will be used to determine the value of x in the formula MgSO4. xH2O.
PROCEDURE:
1. Weigh an empty crucible and record its mass in a table.
2. Add between 5.00 and 6.00g of hydrated magnesium sulphate to the crucible and record the mass of
crucible and solid.
3. Heat the crucible containing the hydrated salt over a Bunsen burner for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Place the crucible and its contents on the heat proof mat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
5. Weigh the crucible and its contents.
6. Reheat the crucible and its contents for 5 minutes and then repeat steps 4 and 5.
7. Write a full lab report.
TREATMENT OF RESULTS
1. Write a chemical equation for the loss of water of crystallisation from one mole of hydrated magnesium
sulphate represented by the formula: MgSO4.xH2O
2. Calculate the mass of one mole anhydrous magnesium sulphate.
3. Calculate the number of moles of anhydrous magnesium sulphate formed in the experiment.
4. Calculate: (a) the mass (b) the number of moles of water released from the sample of hydrated salt
used in the experiment.
5. Use your answers to 3 and 4(b) to calculate the number of moles of water in one mole of the hydrated
salt.
QUESTIONS;
1. Identify two possible sources of error in the experiment.
2. Traditional methods for determining moisture content of solids were time consuming and involved
heating in conventional ovens or in vacuum ovens or storing the sample in a dessicator until the material
became constant in weight. Suggest ONE method by which the determination could be speeded up.

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

page 11 of 20

MODULE 2
TITLE:

FLAME TESTS

INTRODUCTION:
Many cations of s and d-block elements may be identified by a flame test. The energy from the burning gas
causes promotion of electrons in the ions to higher energy levels. The excited ions then lose energy and
undergo electronic transition to a lower energy level, giving off the extra energy in the form of electromagnetic
radiation. The frequency of this radiation usually falls in the visible region of the spectrum, so a coloured flame
is observed.
PROCEDURE:
1. Clean a nichrome or platinum wire by dipping it in concentrated hydrochloric acid and placing it in a
non-luminous Bunsen flame.
2. Continue this cleaning process until no colour at all is produced when the wire is in the flame.
3. Moisten the wire with concentrated hydrochloric acid, dip it in the sample, and hold it in the flame
again.
4. Record the colour observed.
5. Carry out a flame test on each of the other samples supplied.
6. Record your results in the table below.
7. Do not write a full lab report.
Results
Metal
ion
Colour

Treatment of results:
1. Why are different colours observed?
2.

(a) Identify any ion or ions for which there was no colour imparted to the flame.
(b) Suggest an explanation for this.

3. Why is the cleaning of the nichrome wire necessary before performing a flame test?

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

page 12 of 20

MODULE 1
TITLE:

REACTIONS OF ETHANOL

SKILLS TESTED: ORR, A&I

AIM : To observe some typical reactions of the primary alcohol, ethanol.
INTRODUCTION:
Some reactions of ethanol are typical of primary aliphatic alcohols, whereas others are characteristic of the
hydroxyl functional group in all types (10, 20 and 30 ) of aliphatic alcohols.
PROCEDURE:
WARNING: ORGANIC COMPOUNDS ARE VOLATILE, INFLAMMABLE AND MANY ARE
TOXIC. YOU NEED TO BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL IN CARRYING OUT THESE EXPERIMENTS.
1.

To 5 drops of ethanol in a test tube, add 2 drops of potassium dichromate (VI) then 10 drops
of dilute sulphuric acid. Leave to stand in a beaker of hot water (water bath) for 10 minutes.
Carefully smell the product.

2.

Repeat test 1 using potassium manganate (VII) in place of potassium dichromate (VI)

3.

Pour 2 cm3 of ethanol and 1cm3 of glacial ethanoic acid into a test tube. Carefully add 2-3
drops of concentrated sulphuric acid. Warm gently for a few minutes in a water bath. DO
NOT BOIL. Pour the product carefully into a beaker containing sodium carbonate solution.
Stir and smell carefully.

4.

To 1cm3 of ethanol add concentrated sulphuric acid (carefully) and bubble the gas evolved
into an acidified solution of potassium manganate (VII).

5.

Write a full lab report. Use a tabular form to express the results of the practical.

TREATMENT OF RESULTS:
1. For each test: a) Name the type of chemical reaction b) Give the name and fully displayed formula of
the most likely organic product.
2. Describe a simple chemical test that may be used to distinguish between the organic products formed in
tests 1 and 2.
3. Write a chemical equation for the production of the gas in test 4, and for its reaction with potassium
manganate (VII)
4. Which of the tests is/are typical of all alcohols. Justify your choice.

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

MODULE 2
TITLE:

page 13 of 20

PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY

AIM: To separate the components in a mixture of food colouring dyes

.
INTRODUCTION
One method used to physically separate the components of a mixture is chromatography. For each component a
retention factor (Rf) value, which characterises it may be calculated. Hence the method may also be used to
identify the components.
PROCEDURE
1. Using a clean ruler and a pencil mark a horizontal line approximately 1.5 cm from the tapered end of the
strip of chromatography paper placed on a clean surface. This line will be the origin in the developed
chromatogram. Mark a small stroke in the centre of the line to represent the position the spot should be
placed.
2. Use the marked strip to estimate the height to which the developing solvent should be poured into the
measuring cylinder. N.B: The solvent should be in contact with the paper but below the level of the
origin at the start of the separation.
3. Remove the strip of paper and pour the solvent (either water or an ethanol/water mixture into the
measuring cylinder (Chromatography tank), stopper the container and leave to stand for a few minutes.
4. Place the strip of chromatography paper on a clean surface and spot on the mixture to be separated as
follows: Take the provided toothpicks and cut one of the ends with a scissors.
5. Using the open end, dip the toothpick into the mixture and then touch it briefly on the central position on
the origin so that a spot is no bigger than this dot

on the paper. Allow the spot to dry.

6. Repeat step 5 to concentrate the mixture.

7. Holding the strip by the edge furthest from the origin, place it into the tank so that the tip is submerged.
8. Replace the cover and leave to stand.
9. Remove the developed chromatogram when the solvent has reached about to the top of the paper.
10. Use a pencil to mark the furthest position (solvent front) to which the solvent has moved.
11. Calculate the Rf value for each component in the ink.
12. Draw an ACCURATE chromatogram showing the results.
13. Do not write a full lab report.
QUESTIONS
1.
a) From your results suggest the number of components that may be present in the dye
b) Using the chromatogram, determine the Rf values of each component.
2. What is the principle on which the separation was based?
3. Why would different Rf values be obtained with the different solvents?
4. What further procedure may be used to obtain a better separation of the components?

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

page 14 of 20

MODULE 1
TITLE:

FUNCTIONAL GROUPS IN CARBON COMPOUNDS

INTRODUCTION:
Combined with other methods of analysis, qualitative tests for the presence of specific functional groups aid in
the identification of organic compounds. Use your knowledge of functional group reactions to complete the
table shown below.
COMPOUND TEST
A

OBSERVATION

Bromine in 1,1,1-trichloroethane

Decolourisation

PCl5
I2 in NaOH

Dense white fumes

STRUCTURAL FORMULA
OF FUNCTIONAL GROUP

B
Yellow ppt
C

Litmus test

Blue to red
Ense white fumes

PCl5
D

Litmus test

Blue to red

Br2(aq)

White ppt

QUESTION:
Compound B is a fragrant liquid which when heated with excess concentrated H2SO4 produces a gas, G, which
decolourises aqueous bromine. When G reacts with HBr, two isomeric compounds, E and F, with relative
molecular mass of 123 are obtained. Write the displayed formula for EACH of the following.
E

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

MODULE 3
TITLE:

page 15 of 20

WATER POLLUTING INORGANIC IONS

INTRODUCTION:
Nitrate (V), Phosphate (V), cyanide, and Lead (II) ions may be found in contaminated water. The typical
reactions of the NO3 - , PO4 3- , and Pb2+ ions will be carried out in this practical. CN- ions are highly poisonous
and will be considered theoretically.
PROCEDURE:
Carry out the following tests. Record all observations and inferences in Tabular form.
1. Nitrate (V) anions:
(a) Add Devardas alloy followed by sodium hydroxide. Warm mixture and test gas evolved.
(b) Mix with iron (II) sulphate crystals, Pour concentrated sulphuric acid slowly down the side of the tube,
so that two layers of liquid are formed.
(c) Add some copper turnings then add concentrated sulphuric acid. [ TEACHER DEMONSTRATION]
2.Phosphate (V) anions
(a) Add aqueous silver nitrate. Test solubility of ppt separately in (i) dil. HNO3 (aq) (ii)NH3 (aq) and
discard product immediately!
(b) Add aqueous barium chloride. Divide ppt into three portions and test its solubility in (i) dil nitric acid,
(ii) dil ethanoic acid, (iii) dil aqueous ammonia.
(c) Add an equal volume of ammonium molybdate. Warm gently to accelerate formation of ppt.
(d) Add aqueous iron (III) chloride. Test solubility of ppt in (i) dilute nitic acid, (ii) dilute ethanoic acid.
3. Lead (II) cations
(a) Add aqueous sodium hydroxide until in excess
(b) Add dilute hydrochloric acid. Heat mixture and allow to cool.
(c) Add potassium chromate (VI). Divide mixture and add(i) dil nitric acid,(ii) dil ethanoic acid
(d) Add aqueous potassium iodide until in excess.
(e) Add aqueous sodium sulphide
.
QUESTIONS
(a) A sensitive test for cyanide ions ( concentration limit 1 in 50,000) involves their reaction with polysulphide
(S2 2- ) ions to form thiocyanate ions to which a solution of iron (III) chloride is then added. Suggest the colour
and formula of the final product.
(b) Cyanide ions react with dil HCl to liberate a poisonous gas which has the smell of bitter almonds. Identify
the gas and explain the reaction.
Do not write a full lab report. Tabular form of the result is suggested.
Phosphate ions and silver nitrate
yellow ppt (soluble in both acid and
ammonia)
phosphate ions and ammonium
molybdate with heating yellow ppt

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

page 16 of 20

MODULE 3
TITLE:

DISTILLATION OF A SAMPLE OF RUM

AIM: To compare the efficiency of separating ethanol from a sample of Unknown Barbados Rum by simple
distillation and fractional distillation.
INTRODUCTION: Methods of separation are never 100% efficient. However some methods are more
efficient than others. The separation technique which is more suitable is dependent on the type of mixture being
separated.
PROCEDURE:
Observe the demonstration for the simple distillation and the fractional distillation of the sample. Please note
the distillation rate and if you are careful waft the vapours from each type of distillate for your own
determination of alcohol present.
RESULTS
Table of comparison of simple and fractional distillation of a sample of Unknown Barbados Rum
Temperature of the
lower boiling point
fraction

Volume of
distillation after
demonstration was
completed

Smell of distillate
(state whether there
was a strong or
weak smell of
alcohol)

Simple distillation
Fractional
distillation
QUESTIONS:
1. Explain the process of simple distillation and fractional distillation. What areas in the demonstration that
could have been improved to obtain a purer distillate?
2. Even industrially not all the water can be removed from an alcohol water mixture via fractional
distillation. Suggest what can be done to remove the last traces of moisture from a distillate obtained from an
alcohol-water mixture.
3. Why would there be a difference in the volumes of distillate collected?
4. Based on the strong or weak smell of alcohol of the distillate, which seems to be the more efficient
separation technique?

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

page 17 of 20

MODULE 2
TITLE:

SALTED PEANUTS FULLER

Skills tested: P&D

PROBLEM:
As a young boy or girl, you have always enjoyed eating salted peanuts. As you got older and being a science
student, you then began to understand the dangers of eating too much salt. In the past, salted peanuts Fuller
had quoted on its nutritional label that it contained 180 mg of salt per 30 g of salted peanuts. As customers
become more health conscious and buying what they deem to be healthier items, manufacturers have no choice
but to comply. Salted peanuts Fuller are now quoted to have a reduced salt content per 30 g of salted peanuts.
You wonder if this is really true or just a marketing gimmick. Plan and design an experiment to determine the
amount of salt in the past salted peanuts Fuller and present day reduced salt content salted peanuts Fuller.
The format of your lab should be as follows
Title
Date
Aim
Hypothesis
Apparatus & Materials
Variables
Procedure
Data Collection (shown in an appropriate format)
Expected results
Discussion (which consists of limitations, precautions and sources of error)

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

page 18 of 20

MODULE 3
TITLE: Qualitative analysis of sample X
SKILLS TESTED: M&M, A&I
PROCEDURE:
Carry out the following tests on the sample X. Carefully record all observable changes. Complete the table below. Do not
write a full lab report.
Tests
1. Add a heaped spatula load of the
solid X to 10 cm3 of distilled water in
a boiling tube and stir thoroughly.
Keep the contents of the tube for the
following tests.
2. To approximately 1 cm3 of solution,
add NaOH(aq) slowly until in excess.

Observations

Inferences
..
.
Ion(s) possibly present

3. To approximately 1 cm3 of solution,

add NH3 (aq) until in excess.

Ion(s) possibly present

4. To approximately 1 cm3 of solution,

add dilute hydrochloric acid.

Ion present ...

Write an ionic equation for the reaction

5. Add a spatula load of Devardas

alloy, then add NaOH (aq) and warm
the mixture. Test gases evolved with
moist red and blue litmus.

Acid-base nature of the gas evolved

Formula of gas evolved .

Ion(s) possibly present
.

6. Add solid or aqueous FeSO4, then

pour conc. H2SO4 slowly down side of
tube.

Formula of compound formed

Ion present

TREATMENT OF RESULTS
1.
2.
3.
4.

What is the likely identity of sample X? [1]

Write a balanced equation for the action of strong heat on the solid sample.[2]
Suggest two reasons why the solid sample should not be strongly heated in the school laboratory.[2]
Comment on the extent to which this sample can contaminate a potable water supply.[2]

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

page 19 of 20

MODULE 2
TITLE:
AIM :

Comparing the ethanol content of distillates.

To determine which of two distillates contains the higher percentage of ethanol.

INTRODUCTION:
The ethanol content of a distillate may be determined by the following procedure:
1. A given volume of the distillate is treated with an excess of potassium dichromate of known concentration by
heating the mixture in a water bath for at least 2 hours or in an oven overnight.
2. The sample is then left to cool to room temperature.
3. Any excess dichromate is estimated by adding an excess of potassium iodide to the mixture. The dichromate will
oxidize the iodide to iodine.
4. The iodine can then be estimated using a standard solution of sodium thiosulphate.
This procedure was carried out up to the end of step 3 on the same volume of the two samples of alcohol collected by
fractional distillation and simple distillation from a previous practical. The iodine mixture obtained from the alcohol
sample collected by simple distillation is labeled A; and that from the alcohol sample collected by fractional distillation
is labeled B. You are required to determine which distillation method was the more efficient.
PROCEDURE:
Pipette 25cm3 of the iodine mixture into a clean conical flask. Fill the burette with a standard solution of sodium
thiosulphate. Titrate the iodine mixture until a pale yellow (straw) colour is obtained. Add 1 cm 3 of starch solution and
carefully continue the titration until the blue-black colour just disappears. Repeat the titration to obtain consistent results.
Record your results in an appropriate format.
TREATMENT OF RESULTS:
The following equations are useful in helping you to arrive at a conclusion re the relative alcohol content of the two
alcohol samples: The standard solution of sodium thiosulphate
I2(aq) + 2 S2O32- (aq) 2I- (aq) + S4O62- (aq)
2I- - 2e

I2 (aq)

Cr2O72- + 14 H+ + 6e 2 Cr3+ + 7 H2O

3 C2H5OH + K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 3CH3CHO + Cr2(SO4)3 + K2SO4 + 7H2O.
The standard solution of sodium thiosulphate contains 0.17 mol dm-3
1. Calculate the number of moles of thiosulphate ions in the titres: (a) from distillate A (b) From distillate B
1. Calculate the quantity of iodine present in 25cm3 of the iodine mixture titrated from:
(a) distillate A (b) distillate B
2. Calculate the molar concentration of iodine in each mixture: A and B.
3. Use the relevant equations to determine: (a) Which sample would have contained the larger quantity of dichromate by
the end of step 2 of the first procedure.
4. Hence deduce which sample would have contained the larger quantity of ethanol prior to the first procedure.

Unit 2 Chemistry Practicals 2010-2011

MODULE 1
TITLE:

page 20 of 20

MARGARINE VS BUTTER

Skills tested: P&D

PROBLEM
Margarine and butter.
Both can be used as spreads on breads or biscuits or even in cooking to improve flavour. In this modern age
where obesity and terms such as good cholesterol and bad cholesterol are hot topics, the question
margarine or butter, which is better for your health? was given as an assignment to CAPE chemistry
students. Through research, the students determined that the degree of unsaturation in these products plays a
role in the health consequences of using these products. Plan and design an experiment to determine the degree
of unsaturation in samples of margarine and butter.
The format of your lab should be as follows
Title
Date
Aim
Hypothesis
Apparatus & Materials
Variables
Procedure
Data Collection (shown in an appropriate format)
Expected results
Discussion (which consists of limitations, precautions and sources of error)