Preparing soluble salts acid and metal carbonate

Apparatus

• Copper(II) carbonate

• Sulfuric acid

• 2 × 100cm³ beakers

• Glass rod

• Tripod

• Gauze

• Bunsen burner

• Heat proof mat

• Filter funnel

• 3 × filter paper

• Conical flask

• Evaporating basin

• 25cm³ measuring cylinder

• Spatula

Method

1. Measure out 25cm³ sulfuric acid and place in conical flask

2. Gently warm acid and slowly add spatulas of copper(II) carbonate, stirring until there is excess on bottom of flask

3. Allow to cool and filter mixture, collecting filtrate in an evaporating basin

4. Heat filtrate on tripod and gauze until volume is half of original

5. Leave basin aside to allow solution to cool and crystalise

6. Filter off crystals (if necessary)

7. Dry between two sheets of filter paper or desiccator/ low temp oven

Observations

• solution fizzes and bubbles, turns blue-green

• excess powder will remain undissolved at bottom

• green solid residue

• blue filtrate and crystals

Equation

copper(II) carbonate + sulfuric acid → copper(II) sulfate + water + carbon dioxide

Error

not adding enough copper(II) carbonate, there must be excess

Safety

• safety goggles to protect eyes from splashes

• handle in well ventilated area/ fume cupboard

• avoid skin contact with corrosive sulfuric acid using gloves