preping a salt

• Prepare a sample of pure, dry hydrated copper(II) sulfate crystals starting from copper(II) oxide


  1. Use various separation techniques

  2. Prepare copper(II) sulfate solution

  3. Purify copper(II) sulfate solution

  4. Produce hydrated copper(II) sulfate crystals

  5. Measure mass of copper sulfate
• The equation for this reaction is: CuO + H2SO4 → CuSO4+ H2O
• Do not allow the copper sulfate solution to boil until dry in step 9
• The test tube reaction between sulfuric acid and copper oxide is carried out in boiling water to speed up the rate of reaction
• Possible errors


  • The copper sulfate solution may not have been fully transferred to the crystallizing dish so some may be lost
  • Some anhydrous copper sulfate may be produced during evaporation of the solvent
• Sulfuric acid is an irritant so wear safety glasses and wash your hands after use
• Copper(II) oxide is harmful if ingested so wash hands after use
• Copper(II) sulfate crystals produced cause skin and eye irritation. Avoid touching and wash hands immediately if there is any contact with skin
• Take care when using the Bunsen burner. Tie back long hair. Leave on the orange safety flame or turn gas off when not in use
• The conical flask will be hot after heating so only touch it with the tongs. If the flask is touched, hold the burn under cold running water for up to 10 minutes, depending on the severity of the burn
• Calculating percentage yield


  Percentage yield = Yield / Theoretical yield x 100