Article
Simultaneous Introduction of Redox and Coordination Chemistry Concepts in a Single Laboratory Experiment
Journal of Chemical Education
(2017)
Abstract
The preparation of two crystalline binary transition metal p-toluenesulfonate salts of [MII(OH2)6][OTs]2 stoichiometry, where MII = Co (1) and Ni (2), is described. Their syntheses are accomplished via an oxidation–reduction reaction using metal powders and aqueous p-toluenesulfonic acid hydrate as the reducing and oxidizing reagents, respectively. Over the span of one 4 h session, students learn concepts that include reaction stoichiometry, relative rates, complexation, crystal growth and isolation, and fractional crystallization methods. A second session allows for the origins of color and spectroscopy (UV–vis and infrared) to be investigated by more advanced students. Suitably equipped laboratories may also pursue independent student projects involving additional microscopy, X-ray solution and refinement, and magnetic susceptibility exercises.
Disciplines
Publication Date
January 10, 2017
DOI
10.1021/ACS.JCHEMED.6B00256
Citation Information
Philip J. Ferko, Jeffrey R. Withers, Hung Nguyen, Joshua Ema, et al.. "Simultaneous Introduction of Redox and Coordination Chemistry Concepts in a Single Laboratory Experiment" Journal of Chemical Education Vol. 94 Iss. 1 (2017) p. 95 - 100 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/stephen-holmes/40/