Since the solubility rules for ionic compounds are fairly complex and there are numerous exceptions, it was suggested that we print a table that would simplify the predictability of precipitation reactions.

We envision a table with major cations on the left side and major anions or polyatomic ions across the top. A student would simply look at the intersection of the two and would know immediately whether the product was water soluble or would form a precipitate.

We would like you to generate such a table based on your theoretical knowledge of solubility rules combined with experimental verification. Enclosed is a list of ionic solutions available to conduct your research. Please, design as complete a table as possible. We plan to include this table into future editions of all our College Chemistry textbooks and are also considering publishing it as a stand-alone print.

Sincerely yours,



John Dweeble
Editor-in-Chief

PART II: InterLab Memo

As you can see from the attached letter, our group was asked to prepare a solubility table suitable for publication.

I would like the class as a whole to determine how best to divide the assignment among our three research groups and to brainstorm on the following two ideas:

1) how can we predict solubility of ionic compounds based on our theoretical knowledge, and

2) how can we verify our predictions through laboratory observations.

Each group will need to share their data with the other groups so that each group can produce a complete solubility table containing all the ions analyzed.

Each work-group will submit a report (due two weeks from today) which should include the following sections:

1. Initial Working Hypothesis.

2. Initial Working Plan.

3. Your Data.
---Please show ALL measurements and calculations of your groups share of the project and a complete solubility table to include the findings of all lab groups.

4. Analysis of the Data
---Does the data support your hypothesis? Why? Why not?

5. Further Steps Taken.
---Did you do anything beyond your initial working plan? Why? What did you find?

6. A Letter of Response.
---Each group should submit a response directed to the client outlining what you did, what you found, and how this addresses the questions proposed by the client.

PART III: Ions available for analysis

All contents copyrighted (c) 1998
Peter Jeschofnig, Ph.D., Professor of Science, Colorado Mountain College
All Rights reserved

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This page was created by Peter Jeschofnig and was last updated: 9/7/2001