Making Copper from Malachite

9 Ext. 11 Tasker Milward Science Rev 01-09-12

Making Copper Sulphate from Malachite

Brief Prepare a pure dry sample of copper sulphate from a sample of crushed Malachite (copper ore mainly copper carbonate).

Safety

Sulphuric acid is very corrosive wear safety glasses at all times avoid spills and notify you teacher if they occur immediately.

Method

1/ Measure 50cm3 of 1M Sulphuric Acid in a measuring cylinder. Pour the acid into a 250cm3 beaker.

2/ Add a small amount (half a spatula end) of Malachite to the dilute sulphuric acid. (Do not add it all!)

3/ The mixture will fizz as the Malachite reacts with the sulphuric acid. Stir the mixture with a glass rod until all signs of reaction have stopped.

4/ Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the mixture no longer fizzes when you add Malachite to the dilute sulphuric acid. (Do not add too much!)

5/ Filter the solution into a clean conical flask.

6/ Measure 25cm3 of your filtrate in a measuring cylinder and place this solution into an evaporating basin with your initials on it.

7/ Place the evaporating basin on a gauze on a tripod.

8/ Heat the solution very gently using a blue Bunsen flame until crystals start to form on the surface of the liquid. WARNING Do not heat until it is dry! If the liquid goes green add sulphuric acid drop-wise until it goes blue.

9/ Stop heating and allow the solution to cool. You will look at these crystals next lesson.

10/ Label the remaining solution in your conical flask with the following information:

Copper Sulphate Your Name