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KINETIC STUDY OF THE REACTION OF KI WITH FeCl3

(Revised: 5-20-96)

INTRODUCTION

Concentration of reactants is one factor which influences the rate of a chemical reaction. The
following reaction will be investigated:

2 I-(aq) + 2 Fe3+(aq) ─────────> I2(aq) + 2 Fe2+(aq)

The concentration of I- and Fe3+ will be systematically varied, and the effect of these changes in
solution absorbancies will be determined using a visible spectrophotometer. The rate
expression for the reaction will then be calculated:

Rate = k[I-]x [Fe3+]y, x,y = order with respect to reactants

PURPOSE

1. To become familiar with the use of the visible spectrophotometer.

2. To determine the order of the reaction with respect to each reactant.
3. To write an overall rate expression for the reaction.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS Goggles must be worn in the lab.

PRE-LAB Consider the hypothetical reaction:

A + B ─────────> product(s)

The rate expression is: Rate = k[A]x[B]y

Determine the values for x and y, from the following data:

[A] [B] Rate

0.10 0.10 2.0
0.10 0.20 4.0
0.20 0.10 8.0
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MATERIALS 3-5 mL pipets (graduated to 0.1 mL)

small test tubes
visible spectrophotometer
cuvettes
0.020 M KI
0.020 M FeCl3
distilled water
safety goggles

PROCEDURE

1. Warm up thespectrophotometer. Set wavelength at 450 nm. Prepare a blank by mixing

2 mL of distilled water + 2 mL KI solution in a cuvette. Set % transmittance = 0 with
cuvette holder empty and set % transmittance = 100 with the blank solution.

2. Using the quantities listed in the Data Table, place the required amount of KI solution
and distilled water in another cuvette, place the required amount of FeCl3 solution in a
small test tube.

3. Pour the FeCl3 solution into the (KI + H2O) solution and begin timing (t=0 sec.).
Cover the cuvette and quickly invert 3-4 times to mix the solutions.

4. Insert cuvette into the Spec 20/20D and record the % transmittance 15 sec. after the
initial mixing.

5. Continue to record the % transmittance every 15 sec for 2 min (see Data Table).

6. Repeat 3 times for each set of concentrations assigned.

7. Rinse all pipets, cuvettes, and test tubes with distilled water and drain to dry.

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DATA TABLE

time (sec)

Mixture Trial 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120

1: 2 mL KI 1

1 mL H2O 2

1 mL FeCl3 3

average absorbance

2: 2 mL KI 1

1 ½ mL H2O 2

½ mL FeCl3 3

average absorbance

3: 1 mL KI 1

1 mL H2O 2

2 mL FeCl3 3

average absorbance

4: 1 mL KI 1

2 mL H2O 2

1 mL FeCl3 3

average absorbance

5: 2 mL KI 1

0 mL H2O 2

2 mL FeCl3 3

average absorbance

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CALCULATIONS

1. For each trial, plot average absorbance in the y-axis and time on the x-axis. Determine
the best straight line and calculate the slope of the line.

2. From the slope and concentration data for all 5 solutions, determine the x and y values
(orders) and write the rate expression for the reaction.

CONCLUSIONS/ FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

1. (a) Why is it not possible to calculate the specific rate constant, K, from this set of data?

(b) What data would be needed to calculate K, and what type of experiments could one use
to obtain this data?

LAB WRITTEN BY: MIKE GRUBBER

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TEACHERS' GUIDE
KINETIC STUDY OF THE REACTION OF KI WITH FeCl 3

TYPICAL CLASSROOM USAGE

This experiment would be appropriate for second-year chemistry students (AP).

CURRICULUM INTEGRATION

This experiment fits into the Rates of Reaction topic area. Students should have a basic
understanding of collision theory -- why and how particles react with one another. It would be
very helpful if a quantitative rate activity were performed first, either as a demonstration or a
lab exercise. One could quickly show the effects of temperature, for example, and not attempt
this in a quantitative manner at this experimental level.

PREPARATION

1. Thespectrophotometer should be warmed up for at least 15 min. prior to use.

2. It requires a maximum of 6 mL of solution for a set of 3 trials. 250 mL of each solution

should be sufficient for 50 students working in pairs.

TIME

GETTING READY 45-60 min to prepare the two solutions and gather equipment.

DOING THE ACTIVITY 10-15 min for the students to acquire the data for 3 trials of the same
concentration.

SAFETY AND DISPOSAL

No special safety hazards.

Disposal: KI solution -- Flinn Method #26b

FeCl3 solution -- Flinn Method #26b

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SAMPLE RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS

1. The slope of the (Absorbance vs. time) curve in proportional to the rate of reaction.

2. The slope of the curve can be determined by:

a. Individually plotting the points on graph paper.

b. Using Vernier Graphical Analysis III software.

c. Using a calculator-installed least-square program.

3. Sample results (From least-square program)

Solution No. slope

1 0.00548

2 0.00252

3 0.00478

4 0.00270

5 0.00934

4. Determination of order (x & y)

a. Compare slopes of solutions 1 & 2 and 3 & 4:

doubling [Fe3+] ─────────> approximately doubles slope

═════════> " " rate

Answer: y = 1

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b. Compare slopes of solutions 1 & 3:

doubling [I-] ─────────> approximately doubles slope

═════════> " " rate

Answer: x = 1

c. double-check by comparing solutions 4 & 5:

doubling both [I-] and [Fe3+] ─────────> rate

approximately quadruples!!

5. Rate expression

Rate = k[I-]x[Fe3+]y

= k[I-][Fe3+]

6. The specific rate constant, k, cannot be calculated since the rate of reaction cannot be
determined.

 concentration
Rate =
 time

but we measure

 absorbance
(= slope)
 time

and Absorbance  concentration,

Absorbance  concentration

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REFERENCES

Central Pennsylvania Association of Chemistry Teachers in Cooperation with NSF, Juniaita

College, and Private Industry. (1990). Student Laboratory Instrumentation Manual
for Excellence.