Experiment 6.

2
AIM
To prepare a pure sample of potash alum (Fitkari) [FeSO, Al,(SO),24H,O].
THEORY
Potash alum is prepared by dissolving an equimolar mixture of aluminium sulphate and potassium
sulphate in minimum amount of water containing a little amount of sulphuric acid and then
subjecting the solution to crystallization; octahedral crystals of potash alum separate out.
APPARATUS REQUIRED
Beaker (100 ml), Trough, Funnel, Wire gauze, Conical flask (100ml), Glass rod, Tripod stand

CHEMICALS REQUIRED
Aluminium sulphate: 10g, Ethanol: 20 ml, Potassium sulphate:2.5g, Dilute sulphuric acid:1 mi

PROCEDURE
1. Take 20 ml of distilled water in a 100 ml beaker and heat it to about 40°C. Add about I mi
of dilute sulphuric acid, warm this and dissolve 10 gm of aluminium sulphate adding smal
amounts at a time.
2. Weigh 2.5 gm of powdered potassium sulphate (given in the packet) and add it to the above
solution stir well.
3. Heat the solution with constant stirring till potassium sulphate dissolves completely on a

bath. Test the solution at regular intervals of time far

water
crystallization point.
4. Allow the solution to cool to room temperature. On cooling, white crystals of potash alum
separate out.

PRACTICAL APPROACH IN CHEMISTRY: XII 861

 alcohol + I CC
5. Decant the mother liquor carefully and shake gently with a mixture of (1 cc

water) to the crystals mixture.

6. Filter the crystals, dry these between the folds ofa filter paper and note the yiela.

RESULTS

Weight ofcrystals obtained =

gm
Colour of the crystals =

The crystals of potash alum are octahedral in shape.

PRECAUTIONS
1. Cool the solution slowly to get good crystals. Avoid rapid cooling.
2. Do not disturb the solution while cooling.
6.
O
S
 10. The difference of and (w,) gives the amount of compound actually transterred to the
(w,)
measuring flask.
Add a few drops of conc. H,SO, acid.
11. Dissolve the solid in minimum amount of water.
on the flask.
12. Shake and make up the volume till the 100 ml mark
the flask and shake a number of times, vigorously to homogenize the
13. Put the stopper on

solution.

OBSERVATIONS

Weigh of crystals obtained =

gm.
Expected yield =
-
8m.

RESULT
Colour of the crystals: Light green
Shape of the crystals: Monoclinic.
PRECAUTIONS
it may
1. Avoid prolonged heating while preparing crystals of ferrous ammonium sulphate, as

oxidize ferrous ions to ferric ions and change the stoichiometric of the crystals.
2. Do not disturb the solution while cooling.
3. Cool the solution slowly to get good crystals. Avoid rapid cooling.