Hydrated Potassium Aluminum Sulfate

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Abstract
The purpose for this lab was to use aluminum from a soda can to form a chemical compound known as hydrated potassium aluminum sulfate. In the lab aluminum waste were dissolved in KOH or potassium sulfide to form a complex alum. The solution was then filtered through gravity filtration to remove any solid material. 25 mLs of sulfuric acid was then added while gently boiling the solution resulting in crystals forming after cooling in an ice bath. The product was then collected and filter through vacuum filtration. Lastly, crystals were collected and weighed on a scale.
Introduction
Aluminum is the third most abundant element and most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust. Aluminum is never found in the free element state in nature. It …show more content…

Al to Al(OH)4 – (aq). Cut and Measure approximately one gram of aluminum off the side of a soda can. Take a piece of stainless steel scouring pad to remove the coating from both sides of the aluminum. Cut the Aluminum into smaller pieces to increase the surface area so the rate of the chemical reaction can increase and dissolve more quickly. Reweigh the aluminum to determine its exact mass. In a hood, add the aluminum to a 400mL beaker containing 50mLs of KOH potassium hydroxide. Allow the solution to sit until all of the aluminum has dissolved. This process could take up to 20 minutes. You may also need to use a low heat setting on a hot plate. During the reaction, the product will turn a dark grey color. The reaction is complete once all of the aluminum has dissolved and hydrogen gas ceases to evolve. After the aluminum has dissolved use gravity filtration to remove all solids from the solution, collect the solution into a 250 mL Erlenmeyer …show more content…

The experiment was not a success, there was percent yield of 1,423%. With a percent yield that is relatively high at 1,423% did not conclude a successful experiment, because impurities added to the mass of the actual product. There were many errors in this lab due to the product being transferred on numerous occasions as well, as spillage and splattering of the solution. Overall, learning how to take one product and chemically create something else as well as how working with others effectively turned out to be a

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