S-CHEM011LA-INORGANIC AND ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

Module 3: Copper Reaction and Stoichiometry

Experiment 1
Copper Reaction and Stoichiometry

Theoretical Background

A balanced chemical equation is used to evaluate a chemical reaction. Aside from showing the
reactants and products, it also gives the number of moles of each substances used and
produced. The maximum amount of the product formed from a given amount of the reactants
based on the balanced chemical equation is referred to as the theoretical yield. On the other
hand, the amount of product that is finally obtained after carrying out a reaction is referred to
as the actual yield. The ratio of the actual yield to the theoretical yield multiplied by 100 is the
% yield of the reaction.

To illustrate the concept of theoretical yield and % yield, a specific amount of copper is allowed
to undergo a series of reactions as illustrated below.

Cu (s) + 4HNO3 (aq) → Cu(NO3)2 (aq) + 2NO2 (g) + 2H2O (l)

Cu(NO3)2 (aq) + NaOH (aq) → Cu(OH)2 (aq) + 2NaNO3 (aq)
Cu(OH)2 (aq) → CuO (s) + H2O (l)
CuO (s) + H2SO4 (aq) → CuSO4 (aq) + H2O (l)
CuSO4 (aq) + Zn (s) → Cu (s) + ZnSO4 (aq)

The last reaction allowed for the recovery of copper whose mass will be determined to
calculate for the % yield.

Experimental Procedure

Reagents
Copper wire 6M H2SO4
16M HNO3 Acetone
Distilled water 30 mesh zinc metal
6 M NaOH methanol

Materials
250 mL beaker Funnel
10 mL and 100 mL graduated cylinder Stirring rod
Boiling chips iron ring and stand
Bunsen burner wire gauze
Evaporating dish Analytical balance
Pipet filter paper
Rubber aspirator
 S-CHEM011LA-INORGANIC AND ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Module 3: Copper Reaction and Stoichiometry

Methodology

1. Weigh 0.5 g Cu wire in the analytical balance.

2. Using the fume hood (conc HNO3 is very corrosive), add 4.0 mL of 16 M HNO3 to the pre-
cut Cu wire contained in a 250 mL beaker. Swirl the mixture occasionally.
3. Remove the beaker from the fume hood after complete dissolution of the Cu wire in the
acid.
4. Add distilled water half full of the beaker.
5. Add 30.0 mL of 6M NaOH to the reaction mixture.
6. Place 2-3 pcs of boiling chips into the beaker and allow the solution to boil while stirring.
7. Filter the solution while hot and and wash the obtained black precipitate with 100.0 mL
very hot distilled water.
8. Dissolve the black precipitate in 15.0 mL 6M H2SO4.
9. Add 2.0 g Zinc metal to the reaction mixture and stir until the supernatant liquid is
colorless.
10. Cool the reaction mixture to room temperature and collect the solid formed by
decantation.
11. Wash the collected solid with 10.0 mL methanol and decant. Repeat with 10.0 mL
acetone. Methanol and acetone are flammable so keep away from open flames.
12. Allow the reaction mixture to dry by heating in a water bath.
13. Weigh the recovered copper and calculate the % yield.
 S-CHEM011LA-INORGANIC AND ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Module 3: Copper Reaction and Stoichiometry

Enabling Assessment Worksheet for Experiment on Copper Reaction and

Stoichiometry
Name Date
Teacher CYS
Points 35 points Time Allotment 90 minutes Score

I. Schematic Diagram (10 pts)

 S-CHEM011LA-INORGANIC AND ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Module 3: Copper Reaction and Stoichiometry

II. Data and Results (15 points )

Initial mass of copper wire ___________________ g

Mass of recovered copper and beaker ___________________ g
Mass of beaker ___________________ g
Mass of recovered copper ___________________ g
% yield ___________________%

Sample Computation ( 4 points )

Observation
Addition of HNO3 to copper wire
Addition of distilled water to
reaction mixture
Addition of NaOH to solution
Heating the reaction mixture
Addition of H2SO4 to the black
precipitate
Addition of Zn to reaction mixture

IV. Follow-up Questions

1. Why do we need to use very hot distilled water in washing the black precipitate. ( 2 pts )

2. What is the purpose of adding boiling chips to the reaction mixture . ( 2 points )
 S-CHEM011LA-INORGANIC AND ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Module 3: Copper Reaction and Stoichiometry

3. What are the possible reasons for a very low % yield? ( 3 points )

V. References: ( 3 points )