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Solubilidade e Interaçao Intermolecular
Solubilidade e Interaçao Intermolecular
edited by
Todd P. Silverstein
Willamette University
Salem, OR 97301-3922
Demonstrations of salting interactions can provide a useful connection to organic chemistry, as salting effects are used
extensively in liquid-liquid and acid-base extractions. For
example, the use of saturated salt solutions (brine) to wash
organic extracts stems in part from two effects related to salting:
first, the brine solution partially dries the organic layer by
drawing dissolved water out to form more favorable interactions
with dissolved ions, and second, the high salt concentration significantly reduces the solubility of any organic solutes
dissolved in the aqueous phase.
Procedure
Add 15 mL of water and one drop of food coloring to a
50 mL test tube (25 200 mm), cap with a rubber stopper, and
mix by inverting. Though most colors of food coloring can work
for this demonstration, green or blue food coloring are recommended as they provide a nice contrast and partition more
completely than yellow and red colors. Add 15 mL of rubbing
alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol), cap, and mix by inverting
(Figure 1A). Add 7 g of ammonium sulfate that has been ground
to a powder (Figure 1B), cap, and mix by shaking vigorously
for 5-10 s (Figure 1C). Two distinct layers should form in
approximately 10-20 s on standing (Figure 2). A colorless layer
is observed forming from the bottom and increasing in size until
it is approximately 70% of the total solution volume. The food
coloring is dissolved in the top alcohol layer while the bottom
In the Classroom
Figure 3. Images showing the colors formed by yellow, green, and blue
food coloring in 35% isopropyl alcohol before (A) and after (B) adding
sodium chloride as described in the variation. The blue-green color
formed in the alcohol layer for the green coloring results from the different
extent of partitioning of the blue and yellow dyes that make up the green
coloring.
the blue tube will be relatively evenly colored, while the yellow
tube will not show even color distribution. An additional 15 mL
of water can be added to each tube to restore the sample to a
single, uniformly colored layer.
Commonly Available Reagents
The reagents for this demonstration are inexpensive and
readily available in commercial products. Common rubbing
alcohol is a convenient source of 70% isopropyl alcohol. Ammonium sulfate fertilizer (21-0-0), which is essentially pure, is a
potential source of the salt for this demonstration. Food coloring
is available in most grocery stores. If reagent grade isopropyl
alcohol (99%) is used in place of rubbing alcohol, use 20 mL of
water and 10 mL of isopropyl alcohol instead of the volumes
listed above.
Hazards
As with all laboratory experiments and instructional
demonstrations utilizing chemicals and other hazardous materials, proper personal safety equipment including protective eyewear should always be used. Ammonium sulfate (CAS # 778320-2) is recognized as a mild irritant to human eyes and skin.
Caution should be taken when exposed because it can be
absorbed through the skin. Inhalation of the compound may
lead to respiratory tract infection. Isopropyl alcohol, also known
as isopropanol, does have some notable hazards associated with
its use. Isopropyl alcohol (CAS # 67-63-0) is a highly flammable
liquid having a flash point of only 12 C. Breathing of vapors
should be avoided. Inhalation can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and
respiratory infection. Isopropyl alcohol can also cause skin irritation, be absorbed through the skin, and may be harmful if
swallowed. Target organs include the kidneys, liver, nervous, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Appropriate care should
be taken to avoid fire hazards if using the flammability test on the
separate layers. At a minimum, the area should be free of other
combustible or flammable materials, the experiment should be
performed in an area with adequate ventilation, and fire suppression equipment such as fire extinguishers should be available.
Discussion
In general, a solute will be soluble in a solvent if the strength
of the intermolecular forces between the solute and solvent
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In the Classroom
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In the Classroom
2. Shakhashiri, B. Z. Chemical Demonstrations;A Handbook for
Teachers of Chemistry; The University of Wisconsin Press: Madison,
WI, 1989; Vol. 3, p 301-304.
3. Shakhashiri, B. Z. Chemical Demonstrations;A Handbook for
Teachers of Chemistry; The University of Wisconsin Press: Madison,
WI, 1989; Vol. 3, p 242-248.
4. Shakhashiri, B. Z. Chemical Demonstrations;A Handbook for
Teachers of Chemistry; The University of Wisconsin Press: Madison,
WI, 1989; Vol. 3, p 266-268.
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