Crystallization Flashcards
Crystallization
A common PURIFICATION method used when a soild product (precipitate) forms after a reaction
What is the property that purification in crystallization is based upon?
Separation/purification based upon differences in SOLUBILITY
Crystal
A piece of HOMOGENOUS SOLID SUBSTANCE with symmetrically arranged geometry
–> Highly specific how the molecules come together
–> PURE
Crystal formation from a HOT saturated solution:
What are the two steps in this process?
1) Nucleation
2) Crystal Growth
Nucleation
Process by which a small number of atoms, ions, or molecules arrange themselves into a crystalline pattern, forming a nucleus that can grow into a macroscopic crystal
Solute molecules gather together into clusters (clustering) to reach a “critical size”
–> Once critical size is reached, the crystals become STABLE and do not redissolve into solution!! (the nucleus is formed at this point)
Precipitate
Also crystalline, but they are broken down (much smaller) and may contain impurities
How are crystals grown?
Grown from HOT SATURATED SOLUTIONS
Crystal Growth
Following the production of crystal nuclei, these nuclei grow to achieve critical cluster size
How does solubility relate to temperature?
Most solids have better solubility in HOT solvents rather than cold
Overall steps of crystallization (7):
1) Solvent trial
2) Dissolving the solid (formation of hot saturated solution)
3) Removing INSOLUBLE impurities (gravity filtration)
4) Cooling the solution
5) Collecting the crystals (vacuum filtration)
6) Washing the crystals
7) Drying the crystals
What is a solvent trial?
A method for finding a proper solvent for crystallization process
Properties of good solvent for crystallization
1) Solid is soluble in the HOT solvent
2) Solid is NOT SOLUBLE in the COLD or ROOM TEMP solvent
–> These two properties allow for the crystals to form when cooled!!
Solvent trial process
Uses SMALL amount of solid (~30-50mg) in a test tube with 1 mL of the solvent being tested
1) If solid dissolves at room temp = SOLVENT NOT GOOD
2) If solid DOESNT dissolve at room temp –> Heat up the solution:
2A) If solid is still NOT dissolving –> SOLVENT NOT GOOD
2B) If solid IS dissolving (completely) –> SOLVENT MAY BE GOOD
–> 3) RECOVERY CHECK: Plunge the tube from 2B into ice cold water and examine if a solid forms
3A) Solid FORMS = GOOD SOLVENT
3B Solid does NOT form = not good solvent
When choosing a solvent to crystallize a substance, you should pick a solvent that:
A. Dissolves the substance quickly.
B. Makes a colorless solution of the substance.
C. Dissolves the substance better hot than cold.
D. Does not dissolve the substance.
E. Makes a cloudy mixture when the substance is added.
C. Dissolves the substance better hot than cold.
Ideal Crystallization Solvent
1) Nonreactive
2) Nontoxic
3) Inexpensive
4) Nonflammable
5) MODERATE BOILING POINT (65-95C)
–> Easier to control the experiment
–> If there are multiple potentially good solvents, choose the one with the more moderate BP
Crystallization: Dissolving the solution
What type of solution are we trying to make?
A saturated solution
–> Add preheated solvent to the solid a little at a time until all has dissolved (to ensure it is saturated and that there isn’t then too much solvent)