General Chemistry I

(CHM115)

Experiment 2

Aqueous Reactions

Precipitation Reaction: Double Displacement

Equipment: Beakers, Test Tubes, Dropper, and Washing Bottle.

Chemical materials: Sodium iodide, lead (II) nitrate, iron (II) chloride, cobalt (II)
chloride, sodium hydroxide, copper (II) sulfate, Calcium
chloride, sodium carbonate, hydrochloric acid, sodium
chloride, potassium iodide, ammonium hydroxide, silver
nitrate, and distilled water.

Requirements: Students must always follow the safety instructions stated

in the “Lab Instructions” file. Theoretical part to be studied
from the text book Chapter 4; Sections: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3.
In this part of the experiment, you will perform few reactions. For each of them you need
to do the following:

1- Write the chemical formula for all reactants and products.

2- Calculate the molar mass for all reactants and products.
3- Determine the state for all reactants and products using the solubility table.
4- Determine the color of the reactants by simply looking at the beakers.
5- Determine the colors of the products after you perform the experiment in a test tube.

Please note that:

* If you obtain two separated layers:

The upper layer is the aqueous solution OR soluble OR the one that dissolves in water.
The lower layer is precipitate OR insoluble OR solid OR the one that didn’t dissolve in water.

* If you obtain one layer: both products are aqueous OR soluble OR dissolved in water.

Experimental Procedure:

1. Between Solution A and Solution B:

Using a dropper, mix 5 drops of Solution A in a test tube with 5 drops of Solution B and
report your observation in the table.

2. Between Solution C and Solution D:

Using a dropper, mix 5 drops of Solution C in a test tube with 5 drops of Solution D and
report your observation in the table.

3. Between Solution E and Solution F:

Using a dropper, mix 5 drops of Solution E in a test tube with 5 drops of Solution F and
report your observation in the table.
4. Between Solution G and Solution H:

Using a dropper, mix 5 drops of Solution G in a test tube with 5 drops of Solution H and
report your observation in the table.

5. Between Solution J and Solution K:

Using a dropper, mix 5 drops of Solution J in a test tube with 5 drops of Solution K and
report your observation in the table.

6. Between Solution L and Solution M:

Using a dropper, mix 5 drops of Solution L in a test tube with 5 drops of Solution M and
report your observation in the table.

If there is no reaction, heat the test tube using your hands, then leave the test tube
aside for 2 min and report your observation in the table.

Part B: Identification of an unknown compound

Introduction:

In this experiment, students will experience a type of aqueous reactions (precipitation: double
displacement) and report their observations. Each Student will be provided by an aqueous
solution of an unknown compound and then perform some aqueous reactions through the direct
mixing of these aqueous solutions.

Students should identify an unknown compound (ionic compound). In the Laboratory, there will
be 5 possible unknown solutions (Calcium Chloride, Sodium Carbonate, Lead (II) Nitrate,
Hydrochloric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, and Sodium Chloride).
For each group, one unknown solution is assigned. To identify this solution, 3 tests are
performed (with Sodium carbonate, Sodium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid).
For each test (each test tube) there are three possible observations:
- If a white solid is formed in the test tube – you have precipitation reaction (P)
- If bubbles appear at the moment of mixing – you have gaseous product (G)
- If there is no white solid or bubbles – there is no reaction between solutions (X)

Keynotes about the identification of the unknown compound:

p = precipitation g = gas x = nothing happens (no visible g or p)

You will fill your observation in the Table provided in your report (write in the boxes only letters
P, G, or X), and refer to the Table provided below to identify your unknown solution. Name and
chemical formula of unknown compound should be written under your observation in the Report.

Test solution

Sodium Sodium Hydrochloric

Carbonate Hydroxide Acid

Hydrochloric Acid g x x

Sodium Chloride x x x

Unknown
Calcium Chloride p p x

Lead (II) Nitrate p p p

Sodium Carbonate x x g