EXPERIMENT 20

FeSO4 + (NH4)2SO4 + 6H2O → FeSO4.(NH4)2SO4.6H2O

Aim:To prepare double salt of Ferrous Ammonium Sulphate.
(Mohr’s salt)
Theory: Ferrous ammonium sulfate (FeSO4.(NH4)2SO4.6H2O) is also called mohr’s salt and is prepared by
dissolving equimolar mixture of hydrated ferrous sulfate and ammonium sulfate in water containing a
little sulphuric acid. The solution is subjected to crystallization, ferrous ammonium sulfate separates
out from the solution.
The addition of sulfuric acid prevents the hydrolysis of this salt.

Laboratory Preparation of Ferrous Ammonium
Sulphate – Mohr’s Salt
Materials Required: Conical flask, Tripod stand, Burner, Funnel, Watch glass, Glass rod, Filter paper,
Wire gauze, China dish, Ferrous sulfate, Ammonium sulfate, Dilute sulphuric acid
Procedure:
1. Weigh 7g of ferrous sulfate and 3.5g of ammonium sulfate separately.
2. Mix ferrous sulfate and ammonium sulfate in water in a beaker containing dilute sulphuric acid.
3. Gently warm the solution in order to get a clear solution.
4. Filter the solution in order to remove suspended impurities and concentrate the clear filtrate by
heating it china dish over a sand bath till the crystallization point is reached.
5. Stir the solution occasionally during heating.
6. Keep the solution undisturbed for slow cooling. After some time crystal of ferrous ammonium
sulfate will get separated from the solution.
7. Separate the crystals by decantation from the mother liquor and wash the crystals with cold
water.
8. Dry the crystals between the folds of filter paper or by spreading on a porous plate.

Observations: A) Colour of the crystal: Light green B) Shape of the crystal: Octahedral
C) Solubility in water: Soluble D) Action of blue litmus paper: Blue litmus turns red

Result: The yield of ferrous ammonium sulfate or Mohr’s salt is _______ gm.
Precautions:
1. Allow slow cooling and do not disturb the solution during cooling in order to get good quality
crystals.
2. During the process heating of the solution should be done in a short time only. Because
Preparation of Mohr’s Salt prolonged heating forms ferric ions along with ferrous ammonium sulfate.
3. Suppose if the solution is yellow instead of green the experiment should be repeated.

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