Name : ……………………………………………………………… Date : ………………………………………

Block: ………………..

PERIODICITY I (PERIOD 3 ELEMENTS)

INVESTIGATING THE PROPERTIES OF PERIOD 3 CHLORIDES

AIM The purpose of this experiment is to study the chlorides of Period 3 elements and classify
them according to structural type and bonding.

INTRODUCTION a) Examine the appearance of each compound and then find out whether it dissolves in
water/ or hexane. If it does dissolve you may detect a temperature change. In
general, a small temperature change indicates a physical process and a large one a
chemical process. This will help you to distinguish between the physical process of
dissolving and the chemical one of hydrolysis when you add these substances to
water.

b) Determine any pH changes that take place when you mix the chlorides with water. A
decrease in pH indicates that hydrolysis has taken place.

c) Finally , consider physical data for each compound and reach a conclusion about its
bonding and structure.

REQUIREMENTS

1
PROCEDURE A. Appearance
Examine the chlorides samples provided. Note for each
a) whether it is solid, liquid or gas
b) its colour (if any)
Record these in the result table provided.

B. On mixing with water

1. Set up seven test tubes, side by side
2. Into each test tube pour about 5 cm3 of distilled water.
3. In the first test tube place a thermometer.
a. Note the temperature
b. Add half a spatula-tip of sodium chloride and very carefully stir with the
thermometer.
c. Note, after about one minute,
(i) the temperature
(ii) whether the solid has dissolved and
(iii)anything else you see. Eg. Is gas given out? If so, is the gas
acidic? Identify it using a simple test?
d. Add 2-3 drops of universal indicator solution or use a piece of pH paper,
compare the colour with the chart provided, and note the pH indicated.
4. Repeat(but with more care!)the above steps 3a –d, in turn, magnesium
chloride, aluminium chloride, silicon tetrachloride(2 drops), phosphorus
trichloride(2 drops) and disulphur dichloride(2 drops).
5. Measure the pH of the water in the seventh test tube by adding 2-4 drops of
universal indicator solution or by using pH paper, for comparison with the above.

C. On mixing with cyclohexane

1. Set up six test tubes, side by side. These must be dry.
2. Into each test tube pour about 5 cm3 of cyclohexane..
3. In the first test tube place a thermometer.
a. Note the temperature
b. Add half a spatula-tip of sodium chloride and very carefully stir with the
thermometer.
c. Note, after about one minute, (i) the temperature
(ii) whether the solid has dissolved and
(iii)anything else you see.
(Dispose of cyclohexane by pouring into the residue bottle provided)
d. Add 2-3 drops of universal indicator solution or use a piece of pH paper,
compare the colour with the chart provided, and note the pH indicated.
4. Repeat(but with more care!)the above steps 3a –d, in turn, magnesium
chloride, aluminium chloride, silicon tetrachloride(2 drops), phosphorus
trichloride(2 drops) and disulphur dichloride(2 drops).

RESULT TABLE
NaCl MgCl2 AlCl3 SiCl4 PCl3 S2Cl2

Appearance
(colour & state)

On mixing with water

Initial temperature

Final temperature

Does it dissolve

pH of solution

Other observation(s)
(if any)

2
 On mixing with
cyclohexane

Initial temperature

Final temperature

Does it dissolve

Other observation(s)
(if any)

QUESTION

Complete the table below using your experimental results and the data book provided. Then decide on the structure and
bonding of these chlorides.

Formula of
NaCl MgCl2 AlCl3 SiCl4 PCl3 S2Cl2
chloride
Melting point/
℃
Boiling point/
℃

Physicat state
at r.t,p

∆ H f / kJ mol-1

Conductivity
of liquid

Action of
water

pH of
aqueous
solution

Solubility in
hexane

Structure

Bonding

3
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