AP Question of the Week #2: Hydrates

A hydrate is a compound that contains water with a definite mass in the form of
H2O. Hydrates are often in the form of a crystal that can be heated, and the water
can be 'burned off' by turning it into steam. This usually causes the hydrate to lose
its crystalline structure. The substance that is left after the hydrate has lost its water
is called an anhydrate.

Steps To Finding The Formula of A Hydrate

Steps to finding the formula of a hydrate:

. Determine the mass of the water that has left the compound.mass of hydrate -
mass of anhydrate = mass of water
. Convert the mass of water to moles.mass of water x (mole of water / molar mass
of water) = moles of water
. Convert the mass of anhydrate that is left over to moles.mass of anhydrate x (mole
of anhydrate / molar mass of anhydrate) = moles of anhydrate
. Find the water-to-anhydrate mole ratio.moles of water / moles of anhydrate =
mole ratio
Use the mole ratio to write the formula.

Sample problem:

A 15.67 g sample of a hydrate of magnesium carbonate was heated, without

decomposing the carbonate, to drive off the water. The mass was reduced to 7.58 g.
What is the formula of the hydrate? What is the name of the hydrate?

Solution:

1) Determine mass of water driven off:

15.67 minus 7.58 = 8.09 g of water

2) Determine moles of MgCO3 and water:

MgCO3 ⇒ 7.58 g / 84.313 g/mol = 0.0899 mol

H2O ⇒ 8.09 g / 18.015 g/mol = 0.449 mol
3) Find a whole number molar ratio:

MgCO3 ⇒ 0.0899 mol / 0.0899 mol = 1

H2O ⇒ 0.449 mol / 0.0899 mol = 5
MgCO3 · 5H2O (magnesium carbonate pentahydrate)
Your turn!

A hydrate of Na2CO3 has a mass of 4.31 g before heating. After heating, the mass of
the anhydrous compound is found to be 3.22 g. Determine the formula of the
hydrate and then write out the name of the hydrate. Please show all of your work.