Analysis of Unknown

I. White Solid
A. Purpose
The purpose of this lab is to identify the unknown white chemical. As an inquiry based
activity, this laboratory exercise involves experimental design and data analysis to compare
and contrast chemical and physical changes of different white substances. Each of the given
possible substance is subjected to different physical and chemical test that will lead to the
identification of the unknown white chemical.

B. Safety Precaution
Wear safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and a chemical-resistant apron. Use caution
when handling HCl (hydrochloric acid) for they can be harmful to your skin and clothing.

C. Materials
Equipment and supplies: Reagents and chemicals:
1. Test tube 1. Distilled water
2. Droppers 2. Vinegar
3. Spatulas 3. Hydrochloric acid
4. Toothpicks 6. Benedict’s Solution
5. pH paper 7. Universal Indicator
6. Foil
7. Beaker
8. Conductivity apparatus

D. Procedures

1) Observations
Determine the physical characteristics of each substance on a (e.g. texture, odor, and
color).
2) Melting Point Determination
Place each substances including the unknown substance on a small piece of foil one after
another (approximately 5 cm square). Determine the amount of time it takes to melt (after
1 minute consider it not melting).
3) Solubility
a. Water Solubility
To test water solubility, add a pea-sized sample to a test tube, and about 5 mL of
water, stopper and shake the test tube. Even if the solid does not completely dissolve,
decide if it is soluble or insoluble.
b. Solubility in hydrochloric acid (HCl)
Test solubility similarly to how you tested water solubility. Bicarbonates and
carbonates react with acid to form carbon dioxide bubbles.
 c. Solubility in Vinegar (dilute acetic acid)
Add a pea-sized sample of chemical to a test tube, and about 5 mL of vinegar.
Bicarbonates and carbonates react with acetic acid to form carbon dioxide bubbles.
4) pH Test
We will use universal indicator to test the pH of the solutions. Add a few drops of
indicator to the test tubes in which the samples proved to be water-soluble.
Add the drops directly to the test tubes that you used for the water solubility test. Again,
only do the pH test for those white solid that are water-soluble. Record any color.
5) Conductivity Test
Compounds that form ions in aqueous (water) solution will conduct electricity. Sucrose
and glucose are water soluble, but do not form ions in water. Dissolve a pea-sized amount
of chemical that you wish to test in about 20 mL of deionized water in a 50 mL beaker.
Use the conductivity apparatus provided to test the solutions. Record your observations.
6) Copper(II) Reduction
Glucose will react with a basic solution of copper(II) sulfate (called Benedict’s Reagent) to
form the insoluble copper(I) oxide, which is red (although it may appear yellow at first).
Place a pea-sized amount of chemical into a test tube and add about 5 mL of water. Add a
few drops of Benedict’s Reagent and place the test tube in a boiling water bath for about 5
minutes. Record your observations.

E. Disposal
Solid chemicals can be disposed in solid waste. Solutions can be rinsed down the drain with
water. Reagents can be disposed in their designated containers.

II. Colorless Liquid

A. Purpose
The purpose of this lab is to determine the identity of an unknown liquid by measuring its
density, melting point, boiling point, and solubility in both water and alcohol, and then
comparing the results to the values for known substances.\

B. Safety Precautions
Avoid contact of all chemicals with eyes and skin. Follow all laboratory safety guidelines.
Wear chemical splash goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and a chemical-resistant apron.
Please review current Material Safety Data Sheets for additional safety, handling, and disposal
information. Remember to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the
laboratory.

C. Materials
1. Graduated cylinder
2. Beaker
3. Test tube
4. Ethanol
D. Procedures
1) Density determination
 Obtain a 10mL sample of the unknown liquid using a graduated cylinder
 Determine the mass of the 10mL sample
 Save the sample for further use
2) Melting point determination
 Set up an ice bath using a 600mL beaker
 Obtain a ~5mL sample of the unknown liquid in a clean dry test tube
 Place a thermometer in the test tube with the sample
 Place the test tube in the ice water bath
 Watch for signs of crystallization, noting the temperature of the sample when it occurs
 Save the sample for further use
3) Boiling point determination
 Set up a hot water bath using a 250mL beaker
 Begin heating the water in the beaker
 Obtain a ~10mL sample of the unknown in a clean, dry test tube
 Add a boiling stone to the test tube with the unknown
 Open the computer interface software, using a graph and digit display
 Place the temperature sensor in the test tube so it is in the unknown liquid
 Record the temperature of the sample in the test tube using the computer interface
 Watch for signs of boiling, noting the temperature of the unknown
 Dispose of the sample in the assigned waste container
4) Solubility determination
 Obtain two small (~1mL) samples of the unknown in two small test tubes
 Add an equal amount of deionized into one of the samples
 Add an equal amount of ethanol into the other
 Mix both samples thoroughly
 Compare the samples for solubility
 Dispose of the samples in the assigned waste container

E. Disposal
No liquid organic chemicals should be disposed of "down the drain", and this rule applies to all
solvents whether or not they are miscible with water. Aqueous solutions of acids and bases in
the pH range 5-9 can be disposed of by pouring them down the drain provided that they do not
contain toxic contaminants such as certain heavy metal salts.