MYSTERY POWDER LAB - IDENTIFYING UNKNOWN

Objectives:

Develop observation skills necessary to distinguish between different physical and chemical
properties of a material.
Develop classification skills necessary to utilize dichotomus identification schemes.

Background

One of the most important process skills of science is to develop methods of identifying unknown
materials. The general name for this process is dichotomous keying. It is used in chemistry, biology,
physics, astronomy, etc.

In biology keys are used to identifying plants and animals. In chemistry, the process is called qualitative
analysis; it is used to identify unknown substances. In geology it is used to identify rocks and minerals. In
astronomy keying schemes are used to classify galaxy types.

Today, you are to develop your own scheme of identifying unknown substances. You are provided with
information about chemical tests. Your job is to come up with the most efficient keying scheme (in a
graphical format similar to Figure 1, below) to identify unknown substances.

Purpose:

To identify 10 common household chemicals by using qualitative analysis, a method for identifying
substances through a qualitative analysis scheme.
Required Equipment and Supplies

Household chemicals and formulae Test reagents

cornstarch, (C6H10O5)n tincture of iodine,

white chalk, CaCO3 phenolphthalein

plaster of Paris, 2CaSO4 H20 white vinegar

washing soda, Na2CO3 rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol (70%)

lye, NaOH sodium hydroxide (0.3 M)

epsom salt, MgSO4 7H20 Equipment

baking soda, NaHCO3 test tubes

borax, Na2B4O7-10H2O eye dropper

table sugar, C12H22O11 beaker

table salt, NaCl spatula

Discussion

You are given ten vials and each contains a white powder, which is a common household chemical. Your
task is to identify these unknowns based upon their different physical and chemical properties. For this
experiment you should develop a qualitative analysis scheme, such as shown in Figure 1, to show how the
chemicals can be systematically identified.
Safety

Do not taste any of the unknowns. Some may taste sweet but others may burn a hole through your tongue!
Treat all the unknowns with caution and respect. Avoid spillage. Use small quantities—no more than is
required for each test. Never place excess unknown back in the reagent bottle, for this can contaminate the
stock material. Consult your instructor for proper disposal.

Procedure

Using the tests outlined below prepare a qualitative analysis scheme that should permit you to
unequivocally determine the identities of the unknowns. This scheme should be prepared before conducting
this experiment. It is recommended that you start with Test #1 (Solubility in Water). You may then choose
your own order of testing. Some orders are more efficient than others are. Try to develop a scheme that
minimizes the number of test tubes you must use. Use Table 1 as a guide to the physical and chemical
properties of the household chemicals to be identified.

Prepare this analysis scheme before coming to laboratory.

Tests

#1 Solubility in Water: place a pea –sized portion of the unknown solid in a test tube and add about 5 mL
of water. To mix the contents, hold the top of the test tube securely between your thumb and index finger
and gently slap the bottom of the test tube with the index finger of your opposite hand. Be careful so that
none of the solution spills out. Consult Table 1 for behaviors of each of the household chemicals.

#2 Tincture of Iodine: This test may be used for any unknown that is insoluble in water. Add a few drops
of tincture of iodine to the unknown as it sits undissolved in water. A deep blue color forms as the iodine
complexes with cornstarch. A brownish color will appear for all other unknowns insoluble in water.

#3 Phenolphthalein: This test may be used for any unknown that is soluble in water. Add a drop of
phenolphthalein to the dissolved unknown and a bright pink color will result if the solution is alkaline
(pH>7). This test is positive for lye, NaOH, washing soda, Na2CO3, and Borax, Na2B4O7-10H2O .

#4 White Vinegar: This test is applicable to all unknowns. Add a few drops of vinegar to the unknown, in
either a dissolved or undissolved state. The formation of bubbles is a sign of the carbonate ion [CO32-],
which decomposes to gaseous carbon dioxide upon treatment with an acid (vinegar). This test is positive
for white chalk, CaCO3, washing soda, Na2CO3, and baking soda, NaHCO3.

#5 Sodium Hydroxide (0.3M): This is a specific test for magnesium sulfate, MgSO4, which is found in
epsom salts. If the unknown forms an insoluble precipitate when treated with this test reagent, then the
unknown contains magnesium sulfate.

#6 Hot Water: All the water-soluble unknowns become markedly more soluble in warmer water with the
exception of sodium chloride, NaCl (table salt). This test, therefore, is specific to sodium chloride. Place
several pea-sized portions of the unknown solid in a test tube along with 5 mL of water. Heat in a hot water
bath held at about 60 C. No marked improvement in solubility suggests that the unknown may be sodium
chloride.

#7 Rubbing Alcohol: This test may be used for any unknown that is soluble in water. Place a pea-sized
portion of the unknown solid in a test tube and add about 7mL of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl, 70%). Only
one substance should dissolve readily: lye, NaOH. Six substances will not dissolve readily: epsom salt,
MgSO4;baking soda, NaHCO3; washing soda, Na2CO3;sugar, C12H22O11; salt, NaCl; and Borax, Na2B4O7-
10H2O .
Table 1. Properties of 10 Household Chemicals

Reactions to Tests

#6
Household #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #7
Hot
Chemical Solubility Iodine pH>7 Vinegar Hydroxide Alcohol
Water

C1 cornstarch insoluble positive negative

C2 white chalk insoluble negative positive

plaster of
C3 Paris
insoluble negative negative

washing greater
C4 soda
soluble positive positive negative
sol.
insoluble

greater
C5 lye soluble positive negative negative
sol.
soluble

greater
C6 epsom salt soluble negative negative positive
sol.
insoluble

greater
C7 baking soda soluble negative positive negative
sol.
insoluble

greater
C8 borax soluble positive negative negative
sol.
insoluble

greater
C9 table sugar soluble negative negative negative
sol.
insoluble

no
C10 table salt soluble negative negative negative
effect
insoluble