Chemistry 111 Lab

Determining the Empirical Formula of Manganese(_) Chloride

In this experiment you will determine the empirical formula for manganese(_) chloride.
The compound forms when manganese metal reacts with an excess of hydrochloric acid
(hydrogen is another product of the reaction). You will allow a known mass of manganese to
react with a solution of hydrochloric acid in a beaker. When the reaction is over, the leftover
hydrochloric acid and the water from the solution are removed by heating the beaker, leaving a
solid, manganese(_) chloride behind. Manganese is a transition metal and has several possible
oxidation states. The formula for the compound produced in the experiment can initially be
written as MnClx where x is some whole number. Knowing the initial mass of manganese and
the final mass of the product formed, it is possible to determine the value of x. The PreLab
questions will guide you through the necessary calculations.

Pre-Lab Questions

1. What is meant by oxidation number? What is the most common oxidation number for
oxygen?

2. What is the oxidation number for platinum in the following oxides of platinum? Name each
compound:

a. PtO

b. PtO2

c. PtO3

d. Pt2O3

3. When 5.49 g of platinum reacts with an excess of fluorine, 7.65 g of platinum(_) fluoride
forms.

a. What is the mass of fluorine in the compound?

b. Find the number of moles of platinum that reacted.

c. Find the number of moles of fluorine that reacted.

d. Calculate the ratio of moles of F to moles Pt that reacted. Be sure to use the
appropriate number of significant figures. Give the empirical formula of platinum( )
fluoride: PtF?. Write the correct name for the compound.

4. The theoretical value for the ration of moles of F to moles of Pt is (exactly) 4. Calculate the
percent error for the experimental value found in 3d.

Rev. JSM 7.25.11

Chemistry 111 Lab

Materials

safety goggles Bunsen burner

electronic balance hot plate
ring stand and iron ring manganese metal
wire gauze 3M HCl
250-mL beaker beaker tongs
forceps

Safety Notes - Wear safety goggles at all times. Hydrochloric acid is corrosive to skin and
eyes. Handle solutions of hydrochloric acid with care. Wash splashes off skin and clothing
immediately using plenty of water. Neutralize spills on the lab bench with baking soda. Use
caution around hot plates and Bunsen burners. Know the location of the fire extinguisher.
Report any spills or injuries to your instructor immediately.

Procedure

1. Measure the mass of a clean, dry beaker and record the information in your lab notebook.

2. Use the forceps to add a sample of manganese metal with a mass between 1.00 g and
1.20 g to the beaker. Measure the mass of the beaker and manganese and record the
information.

3. Slowly add 20 mL of 3M hydrochloric acid to the beaker. Observe the reaction that takes
place between the manganese and the hydrochloric acid. Record your observation.

4. While the reaction continues, heat the beaker on the hot plate using a medium heat setting.

5. Set up the ring stand, iron ring, wire gauze, and burner as demonstrated by your instructor.

6. After the reaction is complete (the manganese has been consumed completely and the
bubbling has stopped), place the beaker on the wire gauze over the Bunsen burner flame.

7. When the liquid volume has been reduced to just a few mL, reduce the burner flame to
avoid spattering and loss of product.

8. Continue heating the beaker over a low flame until the product appears dry, about 10
minutes. Allow the beaker to cool for about 15 minutes on the ring stand. Use the beaker
tongs to transfer the beaker to the balance. Do not hold the beaker tongs near the flame or
touch them to the beaker until the beaker has cooled. Measure and record the mass of the
beaker and manganese(_) chloride.

9. Repeat step 8 until two consecutive mass measurements differ by no more than 0.05 g.
Note the appearance of the product and record your observations.

10. When you have finished, rinse the manganese(_) chloride into the waste container
provided using a small volume of tap water. Wash and dry the beaker. Wash your hands
thoroughly.

Rev. JSM 7.25.11

Chemistry 111 Lab

Data Table

Mass of empty beaker (g)

Mass of beaker and manganese (g)

Mass of beaker and product XXXXXXXXXX

after first heating (g)

after second heating (g)

after third heating (g)

a
Mass of manganese (g)

Mass of chlorine (g) b

c
Moles of manganese (mol)

d
Moles of chlorine (mol)

e
mol Cl / Mn

Accepted value

f
Percent error (%)

a, b, c, d, e, f
Present calculations for these values in the appendix of your lab report.

Analysis

1. Calculate the mass of manganese reacted.

2. Calculate the mass of manganese(_) chloride produced.

3. Calculate the mass of chlorine present in the product.

4. Calculate the number of moles of manganese that must be present in the product.

5. Calculate the number of moles of chlorine present in the product.

6. Determine the ratio of moles of chlorine to moles of manganese. Express your result to the
number of significant digits allowed by your measurements.

7. Give the empirical formula of manganese(_) chloride, MnClx . The subscript for chlorine will
be the ratio found in question 6, rounded to the nearest whole number.

Rev. JSM 7.25.11

Chemistry 111 Lab

8. The accepted value for the ratio of the moles of chlorine to the moles of manganese is
(exactly) 2. Calculate the % error for your result in question 6.

9. What was the purpose of heating the beaker and its contents repeatedly ?

10. What are two possible experimental errors that might occur in this lab. Would you expect
these errors to make the experimental result higher or lower than the accepted value?
Explain. Could any of these errors account for the deviation of your result from the accepted
value?

Conclusion

Write a statement of conclusion for this lab. Include the empirical formula for manganese(_)
chloride and the correct name for the compound. State the oxidation number of manganese in
the compound.

Rev. JSM 7.25.11