Acids and Bases Neutralization Lab – Part C
Preparing a salt by neutralization
***Please read all instructions prior to performing this activity.***
Part C materials needed
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3 dropper pipettes (saved from part A)
Test tube rack
2 test tubes
1 beaker labeled HCl
1 Beaker labeled NaOH
Phenolphthalein solution
Eye protection
Nitrile gloves
One piece of paper towel
Part C: Testing the phenolphthalein indicator
1. Be careful not to mix up the solutions and the pipettes. Each pipette is for a
specific solution. YOU CANNOT USE THE SAME PIPETTE FOR ALL THREE
SOLUTIONS.
2. Using the HCl pipette add 3mL of hydrochloric acid to a clean test tube. CAUTIONHCl is corrosive. In the event of a spill notify your teacher and clean with plenty of
water.
3. Using the pipette that you used for the distilled water (labeled Phenolphthalein), add
2 to 3 drops of phenolphthalein to the test tube.
4. Carefully remove the test tube from the rack and swirl it to mix the solution of HCl
and Phenolphthalein.
5. Record your observations on the data table provided.
6. Use the pipette labeled NaOH to add 3mL of NaOH solution to a clean test tube.
CAUTION- NaOH is corrosive. In the event of a spill notify your teacher and clean with
plenty of water.
7. Add 2 to 3 drops of phenolphthalein to this test tube.
8. Carefully remove the test tube from the rack and swirl it to mix the solution of NaOH
and Phenolphthalein
9. Record your observations in the data table provided.
10. You now know what an acid and a base will look like when you add Phenolphthalein
to it.
11. Clean up for Parts B and C
12. Please clean up the test tubes and test tube racks.
13. To do this, take the test tube rack with the test tubes over to the sink area. Hold the
test tubes and the rack all together so the tubes do not slip out of the rack.
14. No more than two people at the sink area at a time, one on either side.
15. Place the rack on the table, one at a time remove a test tube, dump the contents in the
sink carefully avoiding splashing, rinse the test tube under the water by filling and
emptying it fully four times. (Do not turn the faucet on too high or you will create
a mess. Low pressure only)
16. Once the test tube is thoroughly rinsed, place it upside down on the test tube rack peg
to dry. (Period three you need to dry your test tubes out with the paper towels
provided) Return the test tube rack and test tubes to the table where you originally
got them.
17. Get Mr. Nevins’ approval before moving on to part D.