Colorful Complex Ions in Ammonia
Description: Amine complexes of copper (II) and cobalt (II) are produced by adding ammonia to solutions of copper and cobalt.
Source: Summerlin, L.R. and Ealy, J.L. Chemical Demonstrations: A Sourcebook for Chemistry Teachers; 2nd Edition
Keywords: Amine Complex, Copper (II), Cobalt (II)
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Acute toxicity hazard
- Aquatic toxicity hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Carcinogenicity hazard
- Reproductive toxicity hazard
- Skin and lung sensitization hazard
- Germ cell mutagenicity hazard
- Serious eye damage hazard
Effectiveness: Average
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Results are observable without guidance
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- High reliability
- Time to results is very low
Difficulty: Medium
- Some intermediate steps to result
- Volume-dependent addition for proper results
- Use of toxic reagents
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Avoid exposure to vapors, mist or liquids
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Sodium bicarbonate on hand
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Transition Metals, Coordination Compounds
Division: General, Inorganic Chemistry
Return to Inorganic Chemistry Demonstrations