Suggest chemical reactions that could be used to identify the contents of four unlabeled bottles containing solutions of the following substances: CuSO4, Al2(SO4)3, Pb(NO3)2, and FeSO4.
This is an experience in knowing chemistry.
Try NH3 for CuSO4, dil HCl for Pb(NO(3)2,
To identify the contents of the four unlabeled bottles, we can perform chemical reactions with known substances that will produce observable changes or precipitates. Here are some chemical reactions that can be used to identify the contents of the bottles:
1. Copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4):
- Reaction: Add sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the solution.
- Observation: Formation of a blue precipitate (copper hydroxide, Cu(OH)2) indicates the presence of CuSO4.
2. Aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3):
- Reaction: Add ammonia (NH3) to the solution.
- Observation: Formation of a gelatinous white precipitate (aluminum hydroxide, Al(OH)3) confirms the presence of Al2(SO4)3.
3. Lead (II) nitrate (Pb(NO3)2):
- Reaction: Add potassium iodide (KI) to the solution.
- Observation: Formation of a yellow precipitate (lead iodide, PbI2) indicates the presence of Pb(NO3)2.
4. Iron (II) sulfate (FeSO4):
- Reaction: Add potassium permanganate (KMnO4) to the solution in an acidic medium.
- Observation: The purple color of KMnO4 will disappear, indicating that it has been reduced by FeSO4 to colorless manganese dioxide (MnO2) precipitate.
By performing these simple chemical reactions with each unknown solution, the presence of CuSO4, Al2(SO4)3, Pb(NO3)2, and FeSO4 can be identified based on the observed changes and precipitates. It is important to carry out these reactions in a controlled laboratory environment, following proper safety protocols and using appropriate protective equipment.