The Preparation of Sodium

hexanitrocobaltate(III)ion
Name: Sinenhlahla Thethwayo

Student number:218005079

Bench number: L1

Date: March 5, 2019

Introduction
Sodium hexanitrocobaltate is the coordination complex and it has the chemical of
Na3[Co(NO2)6]. It is comprise of CO3+ central ion which is surrounded by six ligands of
nitro. It is yellow in colour. When testing the quality of potassium and ammonium ions this
compound is used,. So long as certain other cations are not present. Potassium and ammonia
are insoluble in water where else sodium is soluble. Thus potassium and ammonium salts are
precipitated a yellow solids. In this experiment the nitrite ions act as an oxidant and ligand.
Co2+(aq) is more stable than Co3+(aq) , however when cobalt is attached to the nitrogen
with ligands, Co3+ becomes a more stable ion. At first hexanitrocobaltate reduces the
excess nitrite. The reaction produces nitrogen oxide as gas which reacts with air to produce
nitrogen dioxide. These gases are removed if the reaction reach a steady stream of air.
Reaction equation: Co(NO2)3+ 5NANO3+2NO3→Na3[Co(NO2)6] +2NaNO3+NO+H2Os
Materials and Methods Formatted: Font: Bold

6g of pure potassium-free sodium nitrite

8ml of hot water
2g of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate
2ml of 5o% acetic acid
of 95%ethanol
Ice
Dropper
Glass rod
50ml test tube
Filter paper
Funnel
Weighing boat
Measuring cylinder
Aeration test tube tubes
Beakers
Hot plate
Filter paper
Procedure: 5.90g of potassium free sodium nitrite was weighed and added to an 8ml of hot
water. In a 50ml of test tube. After the solution was cooled at 50 0C, 2.01g of cobalt nitrite
hexahydrate was added into the solution. Thereafter 50% acetic acid was added drop wise
and stirring the mixture. The dark brown solution then filtered to a filter flask fitted with a
stopper and an inlet tube. A steady stream of air was drawn to remove excess oxides of
nitrogen for 20 minutes. The liquid was placed in a beaker surrounded by the ice bath. 15ml
of 95%alcohol was added slowly from the dropping funnel, and the mixture was allowed to
crystalize in the cold water for 20minutes. The orange-brown product was then filtered by the
vacuum. The crystals were then dried in air. The product was putted in the sample bag and
labelled. The dried product was weighed for the calculation of the percentage yield.

Results Formatted: Font: Bold

Weight(g)
NaNO3(Pure potassium free sodium nitrite) 5.90g
Co(NO2)3 (Cobalt nitrate hexahydrate) 2.01g
Na3[Co(NO2)6]Sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii)7.4g

Molar Mass(g/mol)
NaNO3(Pure potassium free sodium nitrite)84.99 (g/mol)
Co(NO2)3(Cobalt nitrate hexahydrate)182.90 (g/mol)
Na3[Co(NO2)6]Sodium Hexanitrocobaltate(iii)
403.96(g/mol)

Number of mole Co(NO2)3 = mass/molar mass

= 2.01g/182.90
= 0.0109mols
Limiting reagent is Co(NO2)3
Stochiometric ratio: 1 mole of Co(NO2)3 : 1 mole of Na3[Co(NO2)6]
Moles of Na3[Co(NO2)6]= 0.0109mol
Mass of the product= Molar mass × moles
=403. 96×0.0109
=4.40g
%yield = actual yield/theoretical yield×100
= 6.70g/4.40×100
=152%

Formatted: Font: Bold

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questiio Formatted: Font: Bold

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.
Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.

Discussion
When cobalt nitrate hexahydrate was decomposed in the solution of pure potassium free-
sodium nitrate, the mixture turned redish brown in colour. When 50% acetic acid was poured
to the solution its colour changed to yellow and thicker in consistency. As the mixture was
cooling a layer of brownish solution was observed at the top of the product. The final
product of sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) was seen to be a yellowish powder.
The obtained percentage yield is over 100%. The obtained results has some errors due to not
filtering and drying the product sufficiently, making the product to have excess water. Some
of the product could have remained in the beaker or the product could have spilled down
while transferring from the beaker to the filter funnel. While removing the filter paper some
of the product was not removed or some could have stayed in the filter funnel. In conclusion
the main objective of this experiment was to sodium hexanitrocobaltate(iii) which was
achieved. A percentage yield of 152% was obtained which was said to be as a result of errors
while conducting the experiment
Answers to the questions

1. Combustion
2.
 Formatted: Tab stops: 2.51", Left

3. Combustion Formatted: Font: Bold

4. Formatted: Font: Bold, English (United States)
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1.15 li, Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: 1, 2,
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References Formatted: Font: Bold

1. Chem 210 practical manual 2019

2. The Journal of organic chemistry 2001-10-24
3. D.B. Green et.al
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