Practical: Prepare Copper(II)Sulfate (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry: Double Science)

Revision Note

Test yourself
Stewart

Author

Stewart

Last updated

Practical: Prepare Copper(II)Sulfate

Aim

To prepare a pure, dry sample of hydrated copper(II) sulfate crystals

Materials

  • 1.0 mol / dm3 dilute sulfuric acid
  • Copper(II) oxide
  • Spatula & glass rod
  • Measuring cylinder & 100 cm3 beaker
  • Bunsen burner
  • Tripod, gauze & heatproof mat
  • Filter funnel & paper, conical flask
  • Evaporating basin and dish.

Diagram

Preparation of a soluble salt from an insoluble base and acid

IGCSE & GCSE Chemistry revision notes

The preparation of copper(II) sulfate by the insoluble base method

Method

  1. Add 50 cm3 dilute acid into a beaker and warm gently using a Bunsen burner
  2. Add the copper(II) oxide slowly to the hot dilute acid and stir until the base is in excess (i.e. until the base stops dissolving and a suspension of the base forms in the acid)
  3. Filter the mixture into an evaporating basin to remove the excess base
  4. Gently heat the solution in a water bath or with an electric heater to evaporate the water and to make the solution saturated
  5. Check the solution is saturated by dipping a cold glass rod into the solution and seeing if crystals form on the end
  6. Leave the filtrate in a warm place to dry and crystallise
  7. Decant excess solution and allow the crystals to dry

Practical Tip

  • The base is added in excess to use up all of the acid, which would become dangerously concentrated during the evaporation and crystallisation stages

Results

  • Hydrated copper(II) sulfate crystals should be bright blue and regularly shaped

Examiner Tip

Make sure you learn the names of all the laboratory apparatus used in the preparation of salts.

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Stewart

Author: Stewart

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Exam Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.