Category: Inorganic
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What is water of crystallisation?
May 31st, 2007 Water of crystallisation is the term given to the molecules of water that are used to build up a crystal lattice in some ionic compounds. In copper(II) sulfate the blue crystals would be impossible without using water molecules to act as ’scaffolding’ within the structure CuSO4.5H2O. When this is heated the water…
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What is hardness in water
June 14th, 2007 Hardness is a term to describe water that doesn’t allow soaping action, in other words no bubbles (lather) and no cleaning. The term ’soaping action’ refers to the formation of micelles by negative ions joined to long carbon chains that dissolve in the fat or grease leaving the negative charges outside the micelle…
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Why does Manganese (VI) disproportionate in acid conditions but not in basic conditions
August 3rd, 2007 Manganese (VI) is usually in the form of the MnO42- ion. This ion disproportionates in acid solution but not in base. What is going on here? The Mn(VI) state is not stable under acid conditions because it CAN disproportionate (notice that this is NOT a half-equation – it is a reaction): 3MnO4(2-)…