Complex Ions Practical Work

 

Copper

Use approximately 0.5M copper sulphate solution for the following reactions.

 

1.                  Place about 1-2 cm3 of the copper sulphate solution in a test-tube.

Observe the colour of the solution. 

What copper (II) ion is present in this solution?

 

Colour of solution

 

Formula of ion

 

 

 

2.                  Add concentrated hydrochloric acid (CAUTION** CORROSIVE**) to the solution from part (1) a drop  at a time to an excess.

Observe the colour of the solution.

What copper species is now present in the solution?

 

Colour of solution

 

Formula of copper complex

 

 

 

3.                  Dilute the solution from part (2) with five to ten times its own volume of water.

Comment on your observations.

 

Observations and equations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.                  Treat 1-2 cm3 of the copper sulphate solution  with concentrated ammonia solution added a drop at a time to excess.

 

Observations and equations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions

1.      What are the coordination numbers of the copper species present in water and in concentrated hydrochloric acid?

2.      Write one ionic equation summarising the reaction of copper sulphate with concentrated hydrochloric acid and the effect of dilution.

3.      Write an ionic equation for the reaction of copper sulphate solution with excess ammonia.

Cobalt

 

In each of the following experiments use about 1-2 cm3 of cobalt chloride solution (approx. 1.0M).

 

1.                  Observe the colour of the solution.  What species is present in the water?

 

Colour of solution

 

Formula of complex ion

 

 

 

2.                  Add concentrated hydrochloric acid slowly until in excess.  Dilute the solution with water.

Write an equation to describe the reactions occurring.

 

Observations and equations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.                  Add a few drops of dilute ammonia solution.  Describe and give a formula for the precipitate.

 

Observation

 

 

 

Formula of precipitate

 

 

 

4                    Add concentrated ammonia solution to an excess.

Observe carefully, especially at the top of the test-tube where the solution is in contact with the air.

 

Observations and equations