Hydrate Lab

Procedure
1. Place the crucible and cover on the pipestem triangle, as shown in the diagram. Position the
cover slightly askew, leaving only a small opening for any gases to escape.
CAUTION: Before lighting the burner, remember to confine loose clothing and long hair.
Remember to handle the crucible and cover only with tongs. The crucible and cover will be very
hot after each heating!!!
Using the tongs, transfer the crucible and cover to a hot pad. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes.
Never place a hot crucible on a balance! When cool, determine the mass of the crucible and
cover. Record this mass in the data table.
2. Using a spatula and with the crucible and cover still on the balance pan, add approximately 5 g
of fine barium chloride crystals to the crucible. Determine the mass of the cover, crucible, and
crystals. Record this mass in the data table.
3. Place the crucible with the barium chloride hydrate on the triangle and again position the cover
so there is only a small opening. Too large an opening may allow the hydrate to spatter out of
the crucible. Heat the crucible very gently on low flame for 2-3 minutes. Then heat strongly for
5 minutes. Allow the crucible, cover, and contents to cool on a hot pad for 5 minutes then
determine their mass. Keep a labeled record of each weighing.
4. If time allows, heat the crucible and cover again for 5 minutes. Allow the crucible to cool and
then determine the mass. If the last two masses differ by no more than 0.01 g, you may assume
that all of the water has been driven off. Otherwise, repeat the process until you have a near
constant mass. Record the final mass in the data table. The dehydrated compound left in the
crucible should be returned to your instructor, since it can be used in the preparation of
solutions.
5. At the end of the experiment, clean all apparatus. Check to see that the gas is completely shut
off before leaving the laboratory and remember to wash your hands.