Alum Synthesis Using an Aspirator

INTRODUCTION
A useful implementation of chemistry in the real world is seen in the synthesis of crucial materials, such as aluminum. Through the scientific method, one is able to produce moles of alum by recycling old pieces of aluminum through different synthesis processes. In the lab experiment conducted, an aspirator setup was used in conjunction with vacuum filtration. The practicality of this process is apparent in the vast monetary benefits seen (2.5 billion dollars in savings from recycled cans in 2008).
MATERIALS AND METHODS By using balanced chemical equations, it is possible to accurately predict the theatrical yield for an alum synthesis reaction. Ionic equations were used to find the molar ratio between moles of alum (product) and moles of aluminum (reactant). The first step of the reaction process involved taking the mass of the aluminum to be reacted. A solution was formed then by combining KOH solution with the aluminum. By heating and mixing this solution, hydrogen gas was formed and vented through the vacuum filtration device. This mixture was then filtered twice in an attempt to purify the solution and remove residue from the break down of aluminum. After the solution had any impurities removed, it was cooled to room temperature and reacted with sulfuric acid and distilled water. During this step, it was important to add the acid slowly and avoid forming solids (this idea will be discussed later on). The insoluble solids were then filtered out using the same procedure previously mentioned. Once this solution had been purified, the process of obtaining crystals began. An ethanol solution was used to remove remaining crystals in the beaker, and left to sit on filter paper to finalize the crystallization process. The mass was taken of the finalized alum product and compared dimensionally with the mass of the initial aluminum