Precipitates and Complexes of Copper (II)
Description: Reagents are added to aqueous solutions containing hexaaqua copper (II) ion, and variously colored complex ions and precipitates are observed.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 318
Keywords: Complex ion, Precipitates, Copper (II), Spectrochemical Series, Transition Metals Chemistry
Ratings: 
Hazard: High
- Acute toxicity hazard – oral, dermal, inhalation
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Corrosive to metals
- Aquatic toxicity hazard
- Electrical shock hazard
- Physical burn hazard
- Specific organ toxicity – thyroid, respiratory systems
- Flammable liquids
Effectiveness: Good
- Clear contrast between behavior of systems
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- Time to results is high
- Moderate reliability
Difficulty: High
- Use of toxic chemicals or reagents
- Multi-step procedures with varying results depending on order or amount of addition or reaction
- Demos requiring training or extended practice to perform correctly and safely
- Reactions that create toxic products
- Manipulations using scientific equipment
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Perform in well-ventilated area
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Sodium bicarbonate on hand
- Avoid exposure to dusts, mists, and vapors
- Thermal gloves required; tongs recommended
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Aqueous Equilibrium and Precipitation Reactions, Transition Metals Chemistry
Division: General, Inorganic Chemistry
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