Making Copper Sulfate From Epsom Salts

Using electrolysis a single replacement reaction can be done allowing copper to replace magnesium. The copper sulfate can be easily purified through recrystallization and can be used in a variety of other chemistry experiments.
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[@lucazsy]

Do you think it would work for making copper nitrate from calcium nitrate and copper metal?

[@michaeltopping8227]

wil it be ok to use the magnesium hydroxide to relieve indigestion

[@TheMilkDistributor]

Thank you for making this, do you think replacing the clay pot with a finer material such as a custom clay pot mixed with gypsum in the interior layers? I'm curious how i can make this process more efficient in a simple way.

[@atari7001]

There are some tutorials on KZbin that show how to make a simple ion exchange membrane at home. That would increase efficiency considerably.

[@moote]

I've tried this and works well until I try to recrystallize... I just get a lot if small pale blue/white/clear crystals. Can't tell if its anhydrous CuSO4 or MgSO4. What happens to the magnesium on the anode side?

[@cranialconstruction2218]

It's important that the voltage and current are high enough to get the ions moving correctly. If not then you will have a mix of substances. The Mg is positively charged so it repels the anode (+) and is drawn towards the cathode ( - ). As you start with only distilled water in the anode, the magnesium shouldn't ever end up in there. Unless the current isn't strong enough.

[@Berghiker]

Amen!

[@cranialconstruction2218]

I get it. Thanks!

[@taldb]

can i do this with regular salt?

[@cranialconstruction2218]

Yes, you can separate the Cl and Na ions with electricity. However, the setup isn't easy as the Cl comes out as a gas (lethal), and if the Na comes in contact with any water it will burn.

[@LaniKnowles-kd8ce]

Why do the Cu2+ ions not also cross the clay porous barrier and form Copper Hydroxide?....Some does as a green precipitate forms, but it does not happen very much.

[@LaniKnowles-kd8ce]

@morisuzuka8408 That is true, but I was thinking in reaction to why do the Cu ions not also cross the porous barrier into the clay pot like the Mg ions do. Cu and Mg are a similar size/weight.

[@patrickmchargue7122]

What gas was bubbling off?

[@cranialconstruction2218]

Thanks for asking. I should have included that in the video. They are mostly hydrogen from H2O leaving just OH behind which binds with the Mg to form Mg(OH)2.

[@patrickmchargue7122]

@@cranialconstruction2218 Thought so. I'd be wary of an explosion and add that as a warning.

[@cranialconstruction2218]

I appreciate the input. However, have you worked with hydrogen forming experiments? If you have you will know that the amount of H2 produced in this experiment is so quickly diluted in air that there is no way you could ignite it. Even if you put a match just above the pot.

[@patrickmchargue7122]

@@cranialconstruction2218 Ah. I did it as a kid with aluminum foil and lye as part of my rocket 'experiments'. Parents (thank goodness) put a stop to that after a few bangs.

[@cranialconstruction2218]

Haha! Glad you're ok bro. Yes, that mix will produce a tremendous amount of hydrogen. Take care.

[@alphaindustries5775]

I keep trying this reaction but the positive electrode keeps giving off this milky blue stuff

[@cranialconstruction2218]

How pure are your chemicals?

[@LaniKnowles-kd8ce]

Perhaps you have accidentally switched the polarity of your poles, the electrode in the clay pot will hydrolyze water producing hydroxide, the hydroxide will react with the magnesium and produce magnesium hydroxide which is milky white...blue comes from Copper Ions being present and Copper Hydroxide being produced.

[@alphaindustries5775]

@@cranialconstruction2218 I tried it using distilled water and It worked fine. our tap water is high in mineral content

[@daveroberts9804]

Using an ac power supply