Solving Solubility of Unknown Compound in Base

  • Thread starter Thread starter HyeLim
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Base Solubility
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on identifying an unknown compound through solubility tests in 5% NaOH and subsequent neutralization with 5% HCl. The solubility test indicated that the unknown compound, referred to as HA, is an organic acid, as evidenced by the formation of turbidity upon adding HCl to the supernatant containing the conjugate base A-. The reaction equations HA (unknown) + OH- <-> H2O + A- and A- + HCl <-> Cl- + HA confirm the behavior of the compound during the tests. The turbidity observed is attributed to the precipitation of the organic acid HA when H+ ions are introduced.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid-base chemistry and reactions
  • Familiarity with solubility principles in organic compounds
  • Knowledge of titration techniques and pH neutralization
  • Experience with laboratory procedures for identifying unknown compounds
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the solubility rules for organic acids in various solvents
  • Learn about titration methods for determining pKa values of unknown acids
  • Explore techniques for analyzing precipitates in laboratory settings
  • Study the principles of conjugate acid-base pairs in organic chemistry
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, laboratory technicians, and researchers involved in organic compound identification and acid-base reaction analysis.

HyeLim
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
In my lab, I'm trying to identify an unknown compound. So I did a solubility test of the unknown into 5% NaOH. According to the manual it said that if it appears insoluble,take the supernatant out and add 5% HCl until neutral. If percipitate or turbidity results, it means the unknown is an acid.
So far I thought this:
HA (unknown) + OH- <-> H20 + A-
I'm assuming the conjugate base was in the supernatant, but I'm not sure.
A- + HCl <-> Cl- + HA
I'm not sure where the percipitate or turbidity is from. Please help me!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In the first part, the organic acid present dissolved (why you obtained the very soluble A anion). Later, you added H+ which recombined with the A- giving you back the fairly insoluble organic acid again, the HA. The HA causes this turbidity or precipitation.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 48 ·
2
Replies
48
Views
9K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
19K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
22K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K