Crystallization Lab

Morgan & Genevie

9/9/15
Chemistry

Unit 5 Lab 1 Procedure and Write-Up : Crystallization of Common Ionic Compounds

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Obtain a common ionic compound of your choosing. (

Epsom Salt )
Fill a glass container (beaker,
Erlenmeyer flask
, etc.) about 1/3 of the way with water.
Dissolve in your chosen ionic compound until no more will dissolve, and then add a bit more.
Heat on a hot plate on a med-low setting with periodic stirring and monitoring using a glass
stir-rod and thermometer.
The goal is to reach 75-80 degrees Celsius with no more dissolving.
Remove from heat and transfer the liquid to another container. Do not transfer any
undissolved substances.
Add a few drops of water to the top layer. Wait a few minutes and then cover with
parafilm.
Set aside to let cool. Repeat if necessary to achieve crystallization goals.

Why Ionic Compounds form crystals

A crystal lattice is a three dimensional array of ions. Ionic compounds form crystals by forming what
is called a crystal lattice. The ions within the compound arrange themselves in a unique way as cool
which gives each ionic compound a different crystal formation. There is a particular amount of
energy given off when these form that is also unique to each crystal which is called the "crystal
lattice energy."
The structure of the crystal lattice and the strength of it is related to the ions it is composed of.
Generally, ions with larger charges will form stronger crystal lattices and so will ions of smaller size. If
you think about this, it makes sense because larger charge means more electrical attraction between
particles and smaller ionic size means greater proximity.
Definition of ionic compound
An ionic compound is composed of cations and anions joined together. Such compounds are held
together by electrostatic forces, and adopt structures that maximize the attraction of oppositely
charged species and minimize the repulsion between charged species with the same sign.
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