Precipitation reaction of sodium chloride and copper(II) nitrate

Colorless sodium chloride solution is added to blue copper(II) nitrate solution.

Approximately 2 mL of Solution A (on the left) is added to a sample of Solution B (on the right) with a dropping pipet. If a precipitate forms, the resulting precipitate is suspended in the mixture. The mixture is then stirred with a glass stirring rod and the precipitate is allowed to settle for about a minute.

Solution A: 0.2 M sodium chloride, colorless
Solution B: 0.2 M copper(II) nitrate, blue
Precipitate: none; resulting solution: blue
Cu(NO3)2(aq) + NaCl(aq) —> no reaction

Credits: 
  • Design
    • Kenneth R. Magnell Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
    • John W. Moore University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
  • Video
    • Jerrold J. Jacobsen University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
  • Text
    • Kenneth R. Magnell Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859