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7.11: Testing Solvents for Crystallization

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    Detailed description for crystallization is found in table 7.11
    Figure 7.2: Crystallization testing process.
    Detailed description for crystallization is found in table 7.11
    Figure 7.3: Testing process flow-chart.
    Table 7.11: Procedural summary for testing solvents for crystallization.

    Place \(100 \: \text{mg}\) of the solid to be crystallized in a test tube and add \(3 \: \text{mL}\) solvent.

    Flick the tube to mix the contents.

    If the solid is soluble, the solvent will not work for crystallization. If the solid appears to be insoluble, the solvent may work.

    Bring the solid suspension to a boil on a steam bath or boiling water bath.

    If the solid dissolves when hot, the solvent may work for crystallization. If it remains insoluble when hot, the solvent will not work.

    Allow the hot solution to cool to room temperature (scratch the sides of the test tube to initiate crystallization if necessary).

    Place the solution in an ice bath for 10-20 minutes.

    If large quantities of crystals return when cool, the solvent should work for crystallization. If crystals do not return, the solvent will not work.

    This page titled 7.11: Testing Solvents for Crystallization is shared under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lisa Nichols via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.