Description of experiment
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Needed compounds:
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sulphuric acid : H2SO4
sodium formiate : HCOONa
potassium dichromate : K2Cr2O7
Class:
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elem=Cr
redox
Summary:
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Dichromate is not capable of oxidizing formiate in reasonable time.
Description:
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Add some sodium formiate to a solution of potassium dichromate in dilute
sulphuric acid (appr. 1 mol/l): The solid dissolves and the liquid remains
orange.
Heat the liquid and boil gently for a while: No visible changes, the liquid
remains orange and clear. A stinging smell can be observed, this probably is
due to formation of formic acid, which escapes from the liquid.