Gravimetric Determination of Iron as Fe2O3 Experiment 3
Purpose To determine the amount of Iron (III) in a sample of unknown using the gravimetric analysis method.
Gravimetric Analysis? Any analytical method that relies on measuring the mass of a substance to complete the analysis.
How to obtain the product? Precipitation Treating the analyte with a suitable counter ion (base). Dehydration/Ignition Heated to dryness To achieve a reproducible, stable composition. To change the chemical form of the precipitant.
Precipitation Measures taken to reduce super saturation and form easily filtered particles (precipitate): High temperature during precipitation. Slowly adding and vigorously mixing the reagents. Maintaining a large sample volume. Using homogenous precipitation.
Reaction! Formation of precipitate: Fe3+ + (2 + x)H2O (base)→ FeOOH.xH2O(s) + 3H+ FeOOH.xH2O(s) (heat)→ Fe2O3(s)
Question? Why is the analyte treated with a counter ion?
Answer To promote precipitation.