AbstractThis article describes the methods used in the identification, study of properties, and synthesis of an unknown compound. The compound was identified as calcium nitrate by various tests. When the compound was received, it was already known to be one of twelve possible ionic compounds. The flame test identified the presence of the calcium anion in the compound. The compound tested positive for the nitrate cation using the iron sulfate test. At this point, it was hypothesized that the compound was calcium nitrate. Reactivity tests and quantitative analyzes comparing the unknown compound to calcium nitrate supported this hypothesis. Synthetic reactions were then carried out and analyzed.IntroductionThe primary objective of this laboratory project was to identify an unknown compound and determine its chemical and physical properties. First, the appearance, odor, solubility and conductivity of the compound were observed and measured so that they could be compared to those of known compounds. Then, the cation present in the compound was identified using the flame test. The identity of the anion present in the compound was deduced through a series of chemical tests (Cooper, 2009). At this point, the hypothesis was that the identity of the unknown compound was calcium nitrate. To test this hypothesis, the unknown compound and the known compound reacted with five different compounds and the results of these reactions were compared. It was also important to quantitatively compare known and unknown compounds to ensure that they were indeed the same compound. This was accomplished by reacting them both with a third compound which would produce an insoluble salt which could be filtered...... middle of paper...... for various anions. Reactivity reactions and quantitative analyzes comparing the unknown compound and calcium nitrate verified this hypothesis. Calcium nitrate was synthesized most safely and efficiently by combining solutions of calcium chloride and lead nitrate. MSDS data showed that the compound is a strong oxidant but is not very toxic. In addition to following standard laboratory safety precautions, care should also be taken to ensure that the compound is not exposed to heat, shock, or incompatible materials listed on the MSDS that could cause fire or explosion. References1. Tro, N. Chemistry: A Molecular Approach, Pearson, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2009.2. Cooper, MM, Cooperative Chemistry Laboratory Manual, McGraw-Hill: New York, NY, 2009, p. 60.3. Author unknown, Calcium Nitrate Material Safety Data Sheet, (http://www.hvchemical.com/msds/cani/htm) March 1 2009.