Experiments Extracting metals with charcoal

RSC Education

Extracting metals with charcoal :

Hazcard : 21, 26, 56

Eye protection
DRY Small, hard glass test tube (ignition tubes), x3 (see note 6 below)
Test tube holder
Test tube rack (not for ignition tubes, use small beakers instead)
Spatula
Plastic weighing dish (boat)
Bunsen burner
Heat resistant mat
Stop-clocks

Chemicals

Powdered charcoal, about 2 g
Copper(II) oxide (HARMFUL, DANGEROUS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT), about 1 g
Lead(II) oxide (TOXIC, DANGEROUS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT), about 1 g (In Fume)

Extracting metals with charcoalTry this class practical to illustrate the idea of competition reactions between metals and carbon. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Experiment 1: lead(II) oxide

Transfer one small spatula measure of lead(II) oxide to the empty weighing dish.
Add one spatula measure of charcoal powder.
Mix the two powders together using a spatula.
Transfer the mixture into a hard-glass test tube and strongly heat this mixture for five minutes in a Bunsen flame.
Allow the test tube to cool in its holder on a heat resistant mat.
Tip the cooled mixture out onto the heat resistant mat.44

Experiment 2: copper(II) oxide

Transfer one spatula measure of copper(II) oxide to a hard glass test tube.
Carefully add one spatula of charcoal powder on top of the copper oxide without any mixing.
Strongly heat these two layers for five minutes in a Bunsen flame.
Allow to cool and then look closely at where the powders meet in the test tube.

Teaching notes

In each case the students should look for signs that reaction has occurred producing the metal. The copper should be obvious from its colour. The lead may be less obvious; it may appear as globules or as grey powder.

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