EXPERIMENT-7

Aim:
To prepare a pure sample of potash alum (Fitkari) [K2SO4. Al2(SO4)3. 24H2O]

Theory:

The formula for potash alum is K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.24H2O. It is prepared by crystallizing the alum
from a concentrated solution containing equimolar amounts of potassium sulphate and aluminium
sulphate. It is a colourless, crystalline solid with a sour taste. The crystal of potash alum is
octahedral in shape. It is commonly known as ‘fitkari’.

The chemical reaction is given below.

K2SO4(aq) + Al2(SO4)3(aq) → K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.24H2O(s) (Potash Alum)

While dissolving aluminium sulphate in warm water a little amount of dilute sulfuric acid is added
in order to prevent the hydrolysis of this salt.

When a solution containing two inorganic salts in a definite proportion is allowed to crystallize a
double slat is said to have separated. The name alum is given to the special series of double salts.
Aluminium is the most abundant metal and the recycling of aluminium products by melting and
recasting into other metal products are used in the production of various aluminium compounds. In
that one of the most useful compounds is potash alum.

Materials Required:

Potassium sulphate, Aluminium sulphate, Dil. sulphuric acid, Distilled water, Beaker,
Conical flask, Tripod stand, Funnel, Burner, China dish, Wire gauze, Filter paper

Procedure:

1. Take 2.5g potassium sulphate crystals in a clean beaker.

2. To this add 20ml of distilled water and stir using a glass rod until the crystals completely
dissolve.
3. Take 10g aluminium sulphate in another beaker.
4. Add about 20ml of distilled water and 1ml of dil. sulphuric acid to it.
5. Heat the contents of the beaker for about 5 minutes.
6. Mix the two solutions in a china dish.
7. Heat the solution in the china dish for some time to concentrate it to the crystallisation
point.
8. Transfer the solution into a crystallising dish and do not disturb it.
9. On cooling crystals of potash alum separate.
10. Decant the mother liquor and wash the crystals with a small quantity of ice-cold water.
11. Dry the crystals by placing them between filter paper pads.
12. Find the weight of the crystals.
Observations:

Colour of the crystal Colourless

Shape of the crystal Octahedral

Solubility in water Soluble

Action of blue litmus paper Blue litmus turns red

Result:

1. The yield of Potash alum is 12.1 gm.

2. Expected yield is 12.5 gm.

Precautions:

• To prevent hydrolysis of aluminium sulphate, dilute sulphuric acid should be added while
preparing the saturated solution.
• During crystallization do not disturb the solution.
• For dissolving salts always use warm water.
• The concentrated solution should be cooled slowly.