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Synthesis of Potash Alum (KAl (SO ) 12H O) From Aluminum Foil

The document outlines a stepwise procedure for synthesizing potash alum (KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O) from aluminum foil, involving dissolution, precipitation, and crystallization. Key materials include aluminum foil, potassium hydroxide, and sulfuric acid, with safety precautions emphasized due to the exothermic reactions and flammable hydrogen gas produced. The expected final product is colorless, octahedral crystals, with a theoretical yield of 17.3 g alum from 1 g of aluminum.

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37 views3 pages

Synthesis of Potash Alum (KAl (SO ) 12H O) From Aluminum Foil

The document outlines a stepwise procedure for synthesizing potash alum (KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O) from aluminum foil, involving dissolution, precipitation, and crystallization. Key materials include aluminum foil, potassium hydroxide, and sulfuric acid, with safety precautions emphasized due to the exothermic reactions and flammable hydrogen gas produced. The expected final product is colorless, octahedral crystals, with a theoretical yield of 17.3 g alum from 1 g of aluminum.

Uploaded by

habeebabdul
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Synthesis of Potash Alum (KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O) from Aluminum Foil

Objective:
To synthesize potash alum crystals from aluminum foil via stepwise dissolution, precipitation,
and crystallization.

Materials Required
Chemicals:
1 g aluminum foil (cut into small pieces)
50 mL of 4 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution
~20–30 mL of 6 M sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)
Distilled water (for rinsing)

Apparatus:
250 mL conical flask
Glass stirring rod
Hotplate
Filter paper and funnel
Evaporating dish
Ice bath
Measuring cylinder

Safety Equipment:
Lab coat, gloves, and safety goggles
Fume hood (for KOH and H₂SO₄ handling)

Procedure

1. Dissolution of Aluminum
1. Place 1 g of aluminum foil pieces into a 250 mL conical flask.
2. Inside a fume hood, slowly add 50 mL of 4 M KOH while stirring continuously.
Caution: The reaction is exothermic and produces hydrogen gas (H₂). Avoid flames or sparks.
3. Gently heat (~60–80°C) on a hotplate until the aluminum completely dissolves, forming a
clear solution of potassium aluminate (KAl(OH)₄).
Reaction:

2. Filtration and Concentration


4. Filter the solution to remove any undissolved impurities.
5. Transfer the filtrate back to the conical flask and boil gently to reduce the volume by half (~25
mL).

3. Precipitation of Aluminum Hydroxide


6. Slowly add 6 M H₂SO₄ dropwise with stirring until a white precipitate (Al(OH)₃) forms.
Reaction:

4. Formation of Alum Solution


7. Continue adding 6 M H₂SO₄ until the white precipitate fully dissolves, yielding a clear solution.
Reaction:

5. Crystallization
8. Heat the solution gently (~70°C) to ensure homogeneity, then transfer it to an evaporating
dish.
9. Allow the solution to cool slowly to room temperature, then place it in an ice bath to enhance
crystallization.
10. Let it stand undisturbed for 24 hours to form welldefined crystals of potash alum
(KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O).
11. Filter the crystals, rinse with cold distilled water, and airdry.

Expected Observations
Dissolution Step: Vigorous bubbling (H₂ gas) and heat generation.
Precipitation Step: White gelatinous precipitate (Al(OH)₃) forms, then dissolves in excess acid.
Final Product: Colorless, octahedral crystals of potash alum.

Yield Calculation
Theoretical Yield:
1 g Al (27 g/mol) → 17.3 g alum (474 g/mol).
Practical Yield: ~5–10 g (due to losses during filtration and crystallization).

Safety Precautions
Perform all steps in a fume hood (KOH and H₂SO₄ are corrosive).
Wear gloves and goggles to prevent chemical burns.
Avoid open flames (H₂ gas is highly flammable).
Conclusion
This protocol provides a safe and efficient method for synthesizing potash alum from aluminum
foil. The final product can be verified by its characteristic crystal shape and melting point
(92.5°C).

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