When trying to crystallize a complex ion how could you maximize the size of the crystals? I did the experiment twice with incredibly high precision and was getting extremely fine sand or precipitate.

Question

anonymous · Answer

I froze it at -1 degree celcius. I think If I used a higher temp like 20 to 30C then It would make the crystals form slower and larger instead of just flash freezing the entire solution.

anonymous · Answer

I think if you figured out to attach some hydrats to it your molecule would be much bigger. I just can't find anything on the process of doing so.

jfraser · Answer

slow freezing generally creates larger crystals, i'd try that

anonymous · Answer

I did freeze it. I got it down to negative two degrees Celsius and came up with and extremely fine precipitate with only two crystals being less than one mm in size. My next try will  be creating a supersaturated solution of the hexaammine. It's a ligand substitution of hexaaquanickel(ii) chloride to the hexaamine complex. I'm quite good at experiments usually but this one is frustrating me.

anonymous · Answer

Is your goal just to make a large crystal? or does it have to be a specific reaction? I made some large green crystals the other day I could look up the lab instructions for you.

anonymous · Answer

My goal is to make large hexaaminenickel(ii)chloride crystals.

anonymous · Answer

I'm going to try three setups today. One with exact amounts instead of excess, one at a warmer temp and one with a magnet since I believe the compound is paramagnetic. The last one is just for fun.

unklerhaukus · Answer

If is is cooling slowly it will form bigger crystals

anonymous · Answer

I did cool it slowly. from just below zero to room temp in 3.5 hours. I did grow some larger crystals so I think I'm just going to use those as seeds in the next one.

unklerhaukus · Answer

backwards cooling? or a really cold room?,  pictures?