Advanced Higher Chemistry Project

Colorimetric determination of Manganese in Steel

Contents

Page 2- Abstract
Abstract
Colorimetry is particularly suited to the determine the presence of manganese and its concentration
in steel since manganese can be converted into permanganate ions, which are coloured.

Underlying chemistry
Manganese is manufactured and combine to create steel, which is used in everyday objects, such as
paperclips. It vitally increases an alloy’s strength and hardenability and, when integrated with
certain elements such as aluminium and sulphur, makes the metal’s strength suitable for use with
machinery.

Manganese also plays an important role in reducing the critical cooling rate when steel hardens. This
means that manganese helps to increase the hardenability of steel. The effect is greater than that of
all other commonly used alloy elements. Manganese actively deoxidises (removes oxygen) and is less
likely to separate than other metal elements.

Method
Manganese is manufactured and combine to create steel, which is used in everyday objects, such as
paperclips. It vitally increases an alloy’s strength and hardenability and, when integrated with
certain elements such as aluminium and sulphur, makes the metal’s strength suitable for use with
machinery.

Manganese also plays an important role in reducing the critical cooling rate when steel hardens. This
means that manganese helps to increase the hardenability of steel. The effect is greater than that of
all other commonly used alloy elements. Manganese actively deoxidises (removes oxygen) and is less
likely to separate than other metal elements.

Apparatus
50 ml Standard Flask

100ml Standard Flask

Colorimeter

Cuvettes

Scale (Accuracy to 0.001g)

50cm3 glass beaker

250cm3 glass beaker

Bunsen burner + heating mat + tripod

50cm3 measuring cylinder

10cm3 measuring cylinder

Clock glass

Filter Funnel
Risk Assessment
Chemical Risks Actions and Precautions
Potassium Permanganate Corrosive Wear latex gloves when
handling
Wear Safety goggles

Procedure
1. Degrease a steel paper clip by rinsing it in propanone in a beaker. Using tweezers remove
the paper clip and leave it to dry for a minute on a paper towel.
2. Break the paper clip into small fragments.
3. Weigh 0.2g of paper clip fragments and transfer them into a 250cm3 glass beaker.
4. Add 40cm-1 of 2mol/l- nitric acid to the beaker and cover it, as it may produce harmful
fumes. Carry out this step in a fume cupboard.
5. Heat the mixture with caution, until a reaction starts. Heat the solution to maintain the
reaction.
6. Once the steel has reacted, allow the solution to cool. Add anti bumping granules and boil
the solution until no more fumes arise.
7. Once the solution has cooled to appropriate handling temperature add 5cm of phosphoric
acid, 0.2 g KS4, and anti-bumping granules.

Results
Concentration of potassium permanganate (mol-1) Absorption
0.00004 0.012
0.00008 0.039
0.00012 0.061
0.00016 0.075
0.0002 0.085
0.00024 0.097
0.00028 0.11

Absorption (of KMnO4 Solution)

0.12
0.1
Absorbance of Solution

0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Concentration of Potassium Permanganate (mol -1)