INTRODUCTION
In this multi-week experiment, you will synthesize a compound and then analyze it to determine its empirical formula. The substance you will prepare is a vividly colored coordination compound of copper. Based on the reagents used in the synthesis procedure, you can assume that the final compound contains copper(II), ammonia, sulfate, and water. In your analysis, you goal is to figure out the mole ratio of each component in the final compound. In other words, you will solve for x, y, z and a in the formula Cux(NH3)y(SO4)z • aH2O. Based on the way the formula is written you can assume that ammonia and sulfate are acting as ligands and counter-ions, respectively. The water, in contrast, is water of hydration. That is, it is incorporated into the crystal lattice of the solid compound in a noncovalent manner, usually by hydrogen bonds, and with a specific stoichiometry.