Chapter 10, Problem 3E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

You are drying a product with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and not entirely sure if you added enough. The phrase “If you see drying agent in the flask, its dry” in this context is to be discussed.

Concept Introduction:

➢ A drying agent is a chemical used to remove water from an organic compound that is in solution. Magnesium sulfate, Potassium carbonate, phosphorous pentoxide, or potassium chloride etc., are used as drying agent.

➢ Drying agents are usually certain anhydrous salts that combine with water in the product and hold it as water of crystallization.

➢ Anhydrous ${\text{MgSO}}_{\text{4}}$ is prepared from heptahydrate (${\text{H}}_{\text{14}}{\text{MgO}}_{\text{11}}\text{S}$) by drying around at ${\text{280-290}}^{\text{o}}\text{C}$ under low pressure.