To prepare 1 liter of 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) from concentrated HCl, you will need to follow a careful dilution process. Concentrated HCl typically has a molarity of around 12 M. This means that in every liter of concentrated HCl, there are 12 moles of HCl.
Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Calculate the volume of concentrated HCl needed: Since you want to achieve a 1 M solution and you have a concentrated solution of approximately 12 M, you can use the dilution equation, which is:
C1V1 = C2V2
- C1 = concentration of the concentrated HCl (12 M)
- V1 = volume of concentrated HCl you need to find
- C2 = desired concentration (1 M)
- V2 = final volume of the diluted solution (1 L or 1000 mL)
Now, plug in the values:
12 M * V1 = 1 M * 1000 mL
This simplifies to:
V1 = (1 M * 1000 mL) / 12 M = 83.33 mL
- Gather your materials: You will need concentrated HCl, distilled water, a 1 L volumetric flask or a measuring cylinder, and personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles.
- Measure the concentrated HCl: Carefully measure out 83.33 mL of the concentrated HCl using a graduated cylinder.
- Add distilled water: In a proper fume hood or well-ventilated area, add the measured concentrated HCl to a volumetric flask that contains about 700 mL of distilled water. Always add acid to water, not the other way around, to minimize the risk of splashing and exothermic reactions.
- Mix thoroughly: Once the concentrated HCl is added, swirl the flask gently to mix the solution thoroughly.
- Adjust the volume: After mixing, add more distilled water to the solution until the total volume reaches 1 liter.
Always label your solution with the concentration and the date. Store the solution in a proper container to ensure safety. Following these steps will give you 1 liter of a 1 M HCl solution safe for whatever application you need it for.