Methodology:
First we focused on reactions involving chromium. We mixed CrCl3 with NaOH. The NaOH was added dropwise and the solution was stirred after each drop was added. We observed and recorded our findings. Then we added NaOH to Cr(NO3)3 in the same way as before. When we were finished adding NaOH, we added H2O2 to the solution. We then made another solution involving K2CrO4 mixed with H2SO4 and we added H2O2 to that solution. We then focused on reactions involving manganese. We added KMnO4 to three separate test tubes. To one test tube we added H2SO4 and then added Na2SO3 dropwise to the solution. To the second test tube, we added H2O and then mixed in Na2SO3 by adding it dropwise and stirring. To the third test tube we added NaOH and once again mixed in Na2SO3 to the solution by adding it dropwise and stirring. Our third group of reactions involved iron. We placed Fe(NO3)3 to each of three test tubes. To the first we added NaOH dropwise. To the second we added HCl. We added KSCN to the third test tube. Our final reactions involved cobalt. First, we placed CoCl2 in each of three test tubes. To the first test tube we added NH3 dropwise and stirred the solution after each addition. Concentrated HCl was added to the second test tube, and the solution was placed in an ice bath. After we observed the solution we heated it in a gently boiling water bath, and again observed it. We added KSCN to the third test tube and stirred until it dissolved. After the KSCN was dissolved we added butanol and shook the tube until we observed color in two separate layers of the solution.
5.) KMnO4 + Na2SO3 -The solution started out with a brownish precipitate, but became clear as the experiment continued. 6.) KMnO4 + NaOH + Na2SO3 -The solution turned greener and became thicker with each addition of Na2SO3. After nine drops of Na2SO3, the solution turned gold with a tiny brown precipitate.
became colorless. We know that Mn2+ is colorless. Therefore, we concluded that MnO2 + 2Na2SO3 > Mn2+ + 4Na+ + 2SO4. 6.) When we were looking at KMnO4 mixing with NaOH, we noticed a color change to green. We know that MnO4 is green, and therefore, we concluded that KMnO4 + NaOH > MnO4 + K+ + Na+ + OH-. With the addition of Na2SO3, we noticed a color change to tan. We know that Mn(OH)2 is tan. Therefore, we concluded that 4Na2SO3 + MnO4- + 2OH- > Mn(OH)2 + 8Na+ + 4(SO4). As we continued adding Na2SO3, the solution developed a brown precipitate. Therefore, we concluded that Mn(OH)2 + OH- > MnO(OH) + H2O + e-.
Conclusion:
By creating and observing these reactions, we were able to learn more about the chemistry of these four transition metals. We were also able to observe the four transition metals oxidation states by creating the reactions.