Purification and Separation of a Mixture: Test your analytical chemistry skills

Do you have what it takes to be Labster’s top analytical chemist? In this simulation, you will use the property of a compound to match it to the relevant separation technique. Then you’ll develop an experimental procedure to purify the mixture like a pro! 

Match compounds to their property
Find out the contents of the mixture at the wall screen. Learn the definition of key terms such as solubility, miscibility, and hydrophobicity. Then, use your critical thinking skills to match both organic and inorganic compounds to the correct property. 

Test your liquid purification skills
Start by filtering your suspension to remove your solid. Recollect the mixture and go to the liquid-liquid purification bench for a real challenge. Try, fail, and try again in this open choice activity to purify your mixture using distillation, solvent extraction, and chromatography in the correct order.  

Bonus property!
Did you think we were done? Challenge your redox chemistry knowledge by deciding how to precipitate copper from copper sulfate solution. Place the zinc plate into your solution and watch your copper ions solidify and accumulate around the metal plate.

Purify your solid
Learn about common laboratory and state-of-the-art techniques used to purify copper: recrystallization, zone- and electrolytic refining. Be quizzed on the importance of choosing the right solvent for recrystallization. End the simulation by choosing the right combination of each technique to purify your copper solid.