Unanswered Questions
241 questions with no upvoted or accepted answers
6
votes
0
answers
164
views
Why is supersaturated sodium acetate so (meta)stable?
Sodium acetate is a common example used in general chemistry lectures to illustrate the idea of supersaturation, and that precipitation of a supersaturated solution can be initiated by a seed crystal. ...
6
votes
0
answers
775
views
How can copper(II) sulfate crystallize outside a glass vial?
I'm making copper sulfate crystals in glasses. Within a few weeks, the copper sulfate seems to crystallize both inside and outside the glass:
(A few weeks after making a new solution)
(Yet another ...
5
votes
0
answers
187
views
What pH value of 1M sodium crotonate solution supposed to be?
I need to prepare the $\pu{1M}$ solution of sodium crotonate, however, I don't have one in lab, but I do have sodium hydroxide and crotonic acid.
Thus, I calculated that for $\pu{100 mL}$ of $\pu{1M}$ ...
5
votes
0
answers
793
views
Solubility of PbSO4
The solubility of $\ce{PbSO4(s)}$ increase with the addition of $\ce{H2SO4}.$ Why?
I don't quite understand this. When dissolving $\ce{PbSO4(s)}$ we get the equilibrium equation:
$$\ce{PbSO4(s) <=...
5
votes
0
answers
159
views
Where is my antimony going?
I work in a trace metals laboratory operating an ICP-OES. I've been having some trouble with the recovery of antimony in a weak $\ce{HCl}$ solution post-digestion.
The antimony is part of a mix of ...
4
votes
1
answer
234
views
How does a silver chloride electrode (Ag/AgCl) convert the potential in aqueous solution to the wire?
I am aware of the redox chemistry that happens at the electrode surface, but I'm not sure how exactly a change in electrical potential in the solution would change the potential in the electrode?
4
votes
0
answers
86
views
Notation for spectral density in experimental community
In an open quantum system setup where the system is coupled to infinite harmonic oscillators as bath (as in the Caldeira leggett model, for example), through the Hamiltonian,
$$H = \frac{\hat{p}^2}{2m}...
4
votes
1
answer
366
views
Variation of conductance of saturated aqueous solution with temperature
The following question was asked in JEE Mains 2020:
Let $C_{\ce{NaCl}}$ and $C_{\ce{BaSO4}}$ be the conductances (in S) measured for saturated aqueous solutions of $\ce{NaCl}$ and $\ce{BaSO4}$, ...
4
votes
0
answers
254
views
Why does viscosity decrease when divalent cations are dissolved into aqueous solutions of sodium carboxymethylcellulose?
Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC/NaCMC/Aqualon) is a common product used in many instances for its unique properties, especially its ability to make solutions viscous. It is well known that the ...
4
votes
0
answers
2k
views
How to break down soap and detergents?
I am building a greywater harvesting system. It is a 3-stage system:
The 1st stage breaks down soap and detergents.
The 2nd stage filters the water.
The 3rd stage pumps water out of system.
What ...
3
votes
0
answers
27
views
Non-binding buffer at pKa of roughly 6 that dissolves in ethanol?
I'm trying to find a proper buffer for my experiment, which I'd appreciate some suggestions on. I have a solution in which I want to measure the concentration of magnesium ions using a fluorescent ...
3
votes
1
answer
55
views
Experiment on pH vs Rate of Electrolysis - what do the results actually say?
My experimental setup looks at using different pH solutions (of $\ce{H2SO4}$ and $\ce{NaOH}$) for electrolysis of water with a Hoffman setup and then measuring the rate of production of gas (note this ...
3
votes
0
answers
38
views
Assessing stability of protein used for interaction experiments after changing buffer from tris to HEPES
I have a protein with a theoretical $\mathrm{pI}~9.0$ currently stored in $\pu{25 mM}$ tris and $\pu{250 mM}$ $\ce{NaCl}$ $(\mathrm{pH}~8)$ at $\pu{−80 °C}.$ I need to do experiments in HEPES at $\...
3
votes
0
answers
78
views
Measuring [A-]/[HA-] with Buffer and Indicator
I'm very confused on how to calculate the [A-]/[HA] value, given the fact that my dilution series uses buffers at various pH values with the same indicator (supplied at the same concentration to each ...
3
votes
0
answers
39
views
Maintaining our supersaturated oceans
Supersaturates solutions can be unstable and decay beautifully once a seed crystal is introduced.
Our oceans near the surface are supersaturated with respect to calcium carbonate. This map shows the ...
3
votes
0
answers
191
views
Can there be an aqueous solution with a convex meniscus?
This question is motivated by a quote from a TV show:
A detective is looking at a small vial (really a glass tube) that supposedly contains poison. Then the detective says:
You don't have to take AP ...
3
votes
0
answers
1k
views
Number of moles of acidified potassium dichromate required to liberate 6 moles of iodine from an aqueous solution of iodate ions
I came across this question in a recent exam I had taken:
How many moles of acidified $\ce{K2Cr2O7}$ is required to liberate 6 moles of $\ce{I2}$ from an aqueous solution of $\ce{I-}$ ?
So this is ...
3
votes
0
answers
497
views
The most convenient process to purify Oxalic Acid up to a high level of purity
I am set out to purify a batch of commercial oxalic acid with the aim in mind to end up with a highly pure product (starting from $\pu{4,000 ppm}$ total impurities and doing so with basic lab ...
3
votes
0
answers
116
views
Molar ratios not leading to complete reaction in Schweizer's reagent production
In my home lab, I've reacted $\ce{Cu(OH)2}$ with aqueous ammonia to produce Schweizer's reagent. However, I'm surprised by the amount of ammonia required to react with this amount of $\ce{Cu(OH)2}$. ...
3
votes
0
answers
157
views
Removing Tungsten Trioxide from Tungsten Electrode
I need a very sharp tungsten electrode, and I think radial electrochemical etching with sodium hydroxide is the way to go. The problem therein (I think) is that the etching will cause an oxide layer ...
3
votes
0
answers
1k
views
Calculating total volume mixing NaCl and water
I'm (as a non chemist) trying to calculate the the volume of a NaCl solution. The problem is that I know the volume of water prior to mixing in NaCl, but I want to know the volume of the solution ...
3
votes
0
answers
160
views
Chemistry Behind TMOS Aerogel
I have found out how to make silica aerogel.
Currently, the solution that I need to create to make the gel requires tetramethyl orthosilicate or TMOS. Furthermore, the procedure requires me to make ...
3
votes
0
answers
342
views
Hydrogen Peroxide Heat of Dilution
Based on some data here, I am getting the heat of dilution of 100% $\ce{H2O2}$ as approx. 1100 cal/mole.
That's about 4.6 kJ/mol if I did my math right.
Is this a correct value? Seems too low to ...
3
votes
0
answers
110
views
Poor aqueous solubility of chloroazodin
Below is the structure of chloroazodin:
Why is chloroazodin poorly soluble in water? It has multiple amine and imine nitrogens, all of which appear to be available for hydrogen bonding, and thus it ...
3
votes
0
answers
80
views
Can a brine water electrolysis be looped?
Electrolysis of brine yields hydrogen and chlorine gases and aqueous $\ce{NaOH}$. So is it possible to combine the gases to form $\ce{HCl}$ gas, and mix it back with the aqueous $\ce{NaOH}$, so it ...
3
votes
0
answers
290
views
If both nitric acid and nitrate ion are stabilised through resonance, what makes the nitrate ion more stable in aqueous medium?
If both nitric acid and nitrate ion are stabilised through resonance, what makes the nitrate ion more stable in aqueous medium?
Can the same argument be applied to nitrous acid and nitrite ion in ...
3
votes
0
answers
633
views
The Health Effects of Alkaline Ionized Water?
I came across alkaline ionized water as my aunts bought a system called Kangen Water from Enagic Inc. The water produced by this system is claimed to contain smaller water clusters (4-6 molecules) ...
2
votes
0
answers
38
views
Salts solubility and speciation calculations using PHREEQC
I am collecting data from literature for CO2 solubility in aqueous solutions. These are usually synthetic brines and are reported as molalities or wt% of salts or salt mixtures (I have NaCl, KCl, ...
2
votes
0
answers
69
views
Stability of n-Dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside in buffer solutions for assay experiments
I have a buffer system which contains multiple salts and in addition DTT and n-Dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside.
I understand that DTT is hydrolysing quite fast and this component must be used always fresh ...
2
votes
0
answers
88
views
Why do buffer solution only maintain pH to a certain limit?
I know that buffers have a capacity after which they are not able to maintain a relatively stable pH. This capacity is exceeded when we add too much acid or base but I was wondering why does this ...
2
votes
0
answers
230
views
Why is it recommended to not store commercial sodium silicate solutions in direct sunlight, what are the effects of doing so and can it be modelled?
I regularly purchase aqueous sodium silicate solutions from commercial providers for my studies and note that a storage recommendation for all different grades (i.e. differing $\ce{SiO2 / Na2O}$ ...
2
votes
0
answers
259
views
Is it always necessary to boil off H2S(g) to test for group III cations in qualitative analysis?
When a sample contains $\ce{Al^3+}$ ions (group-III), to test for its presence, before adding NH4Cl/NH3 solution do we need to boil off acidic H2S added earlier to check for the presence of group-ii ...
2
votes
0
answers
39
views
At constant solvent activity, do solution properties depend on identity of the solute?
When a substance is dissolved or mixed with water in high concentrations, the activity of water drops from 1 to a value that depends on the substance and its concentration. Is it correct to say that ...
2
votes
0
answers
109
views
Gouy-Chapman model
Recently I have been investigating the problem of a neutral solutions (with equal number of anions and cations) interacting with an infinite surface $z=0$ with electrostatic potential $\phi(z=0)=\...
2
votes
0
answers
257
views
Transforming hydroxyl group to carboxylic acid in an aqueous environment
I am looking for a way of converting a hydroxyl group into a carboxyl group in an aqueous environment for eventual coupling to an amine. There seem to be plenty of ways of achieving this in various ...
2
votes
0
answers
333
views
Why does copper(II) sulfate solution turn black on addition of excess sodium borohydride?
In my laboratory experiment, I was supposed to reduce copper(II) sulfate to copper by means of $\ce{NaBH4}$, an indication of which was supposed to be a colour change from blue (copper(II) sulfate) to ...
2
votes
0
answers
1k
views
What is the resulting solution after leaching hardwood ash with water?
After doing online research, I've noticed there are differing interpretations on what happens when ash is mixed with water, so I've come here seeking clarification on what indeed happens, and also ...
2
votes
0
answers
56
views
Calculating the solubility for chromium(III) hydroxide using the complex ion constant
Problem
$$
\begin{align}
\ce{Cr(OH)3(s) &<=> Cr^3+(aq) + 3 OH-(aq)} &\quad K_\mathrm{sp} &= \pu{6.7E-31} \\
\ce{Cr^3+(aq) + 4 OH-(aq) &<=> Cr(OH)4-(aq)} &\quad K_\...
2
votes
0
answers
173
views
Why does sodium citrate in water turn black when blueberries are added?
I recently started making oral rehydration therapy for someone I'm taking care of who developed POTS after COVID-19 infection. (ORT was recommended by their doctor.) I use the standard ingredients of ...
2
votes
0
answers
78
views
Colligative properties: why does the size of solute not matter?
Colligative properties are defined as the "properties of solutions that depend on the ratio of the number of solute particles to the number of solvent molecules in a solution, and not on the ...
2
votes
0
answers
38
views
Isomerization of phosphorylated 2-imino-1,3-dioxalanes into phosphorylated cyclic carbamates
I found a patent dating back to the Soviet Union. The patent number is 256764, and the patent describes the synthesis of phosphorylated cyclic carbamates. Here is a section of the patent, followed by ...
2
votes
0
answers
125
views
Which salts precipitate from a potassium/sodium chloride/sulfate solution?
This is not a homework question. I am not in any course of study. The following question arises from my personal curiosity. If 1 mole of sodium sulfate and 2 moles of potassium chloride are dissolved ...
2
votes
0
answers
408
views
Effect of charge density on electrolysis of dilute sulphuric acid
I am told that if electrolysis of dilute sulfuric acid is performed under high charge density, then the following reaction takes place at anode instead of evolving oxygen:
$$\ce{2 HSO4- -> H2S2O8 +...
2
votes
0
answers
444
views
How to determine the pH of citrate buffer system
I used this table (http://microscopy.berkeley.edu/Resources/instruction/buffers.html) to make a citrate buffer system. The Pka value is 6.4, and I multiplied the solution by ten to make a larger batch....
2
votes
0
answers
150
views
Competing half reactions in electrolysis of aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide
If you run a direct current using pure nickel electrodes through a solution of NaOH in distilled water, you will separate the water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Are there any other reactions that could ...
2
votes
0
answers
283
views
What is the pH and pKa relationship of LaCl3 in water and its precipitant La(OH)3?
In light of this question and its answers, I hope to get some insights into the $\mathrm{pH}$ of $\ce{LaCl3}$ in water and its $\mathrm{pH}$ relationship to $\ce{La(OH)3}$ precipitant's $\mathrm{p}K_\...
2
votes
0
answers
65
views
Do I understand correctly that simulation volume influences relative permittivity calculations? If so, how is the result useful?
I am having a lot of trouble understanding the influence of volume on relative permittivity/static dielectric constant. I'm not a chemist, but am using molecular dynamics to calculate relative ...
2
votes
0
answers
51
views
Activity of NaCl aqueous solution at high ionic strengths: Common-ion effect
Is there any theoretical way to estimate the activity of $\ce{NaCl}$ at high ionic strengths in water and that in $\pu{7 M}$ $\ce{NaCl}$ solution? This question is based on whether solubility of $\ce{...
2
votes
0
answers
81
views
Is it appropriate to approximate solute particles in a dilute solution as an ideal gas?
I was studying osmosis and I came across the formula for osmotic pressure. I decided to see the derivation for osmotic pressure in a dilute solution. The derivation involved an equation involving the ...
2
votes
0
answers
34
views
Cleaning a stubborn Electrospray residue
I have an electrospray ionization capillary tip that sprays into a chamber that contains some circuit boards. An aqueous CsI sample is apparently causing a white residue to build up on these boards ...