Experiment 10

Analysis of Phosphorus in Plant Food

Adapted by Ross S. Nord, Eastern Michigan University, from “Analysis of Phosphorous
in Fertilizer” found at http://chem.lapeer.org/Chem2Docs/PhosphateAnal.html

PURPOSE

To introduce students to developing their own data analysis

methodology, rather than being told exactly what calculations to
perform. Also, to introduce students to solution preparation
using mass percent (rather than the more common unit of
molarity).

PLANT FOOD neutralize the phosphoric acid, converting it into

monohydrogen phosphate ions:
Plant foods and fertilizers are often labeled with
three numbers corresponding to the mass 𝐻3 𝑃𝑂4 (𝑎𝑞) + 2 𝑂𝐻 − (𝑎𝑞)
(weight) percents of the various nutrients → 𝐻𝑃𝑂42− (𝑎𝑞) + 2 𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) (2)
present. These nutrients are nitrogen,
phosphorus (present as P2O5), and potassium The magnesium ions from the Epsom salts react
(present as K2O). Therefore, a bag of lawn with the HPO4- and NH4OH to form a compound
fertilizer labeled 28-3-4 would contain 28% that precipitates from solution as follows:
nitrogen, 3% P2O5, and 4% K2O, by weight. In
this experiment we will analyze a sample of 𝐻𝑃𝑂42− (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑁𝐻4+ (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑀𝑔2+ (𝑎𝑞)
plant food to determine the value of the second +𝑂𝐻 − (𝑎𝑞) + 5 𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙)
number (%P2O5). [Note the second number in → 𝑁𝐻4 𝑀𝑔𝑃𝑂4 ∙ 6𝐻2 𝑂(𝑠) (3)
plant foods is typically considerably higher than
in lawn fertilizers.] Note that a weak base (ammonia) is used to
generate the hydroxide ions needed for reaction
to occur. If you recall the solubility rules, you
PHOSPHORUS ANALYSIS
may remember that Mg(OH)2 is insoluble and so
using a strong base to rapidly add hydroxide
When plant food is added to water, each mole of
ions could precipitate out the Mg2+ ions as
P2O5 in it reacts to form two moles of phosphoric
Mg(OH)2(s) rather than the desired phosphorus-
acid:
containing compound. This is also why the
ammonia will be added slowly during the
𝑃2 𝑂5 (𝑎𝑞) + 3 𝐻2 𝑂(𝑙) → 2 𝐻3 𝑃𝑂4 (𝑎𝑞) (1)
experiment.
An excess of Epsom salts (MgSO4) and The compound that is produced,
aqueous ammonia (NH3, also written NH4OH) is NH4MgPO4∙6H2O, is called ammonium
added to this solution. Ammonia is a weak base magnesium phosphate hexahydrate. As a solid
that generates hydroxide ions, OH-, which mineral it has another name, struvite. It is what

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 Experiment 10 – Analysis of Phosphorus in Plant Food

we call a double salt as it contains two different understanding and respect for women who have
cations (NH4+ and Mg2+). The hexahydrate given birth.] Recent research has shown that
indicates that when this ionic compound struvite begins to decompose (dehydrate) at
crystallizes it incorporates 6 moles of water into temperatures as low as 40oC and it has been
the structure for each mole of NH4MgPO4. This suggested that prolonged warming of the kidney
is important since the mass of the water must be area may be able to shrink kidney stones in
included when determining its molar mass. patients who experience this type of stone.

NONESSENTIAL, BUT INTERESTING, MASS PERCENT REVIEW

BACKGROUND ON STRUVITE
Mass percent is defined as follows:
This mineral was first isolated from medieval
sewer lines. Not surprisingly, it can be used to 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡
% 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝑥 100%
produce fertilizer and research is ongoing to 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
viably extract it from wastewater, or animal
wastes, and process it into commercially useful IN THIS EXPERIMENT
forms.
Some bladder (or kidney) stones, A measured quantity of plant food will be
particularly those caused by certain bacterial reacted with excess magnesium sulfate and
infections, are composed of struvite. This is ammonia to precipitate ammonium magnesium
quite common in housecats, as well as humans. phosphate. From the amount of precipitate
[Author’s note: on average, women rate the recovered, the mass percent of diphosphorus
pain of kidney stones as similar to that of pentoxide in the plant food will be determined.
childbirth. Having experienced a bout of kidney
stones, the author has an improved

PRE-LABORATORY PREPARATION

1. Read the procedure and data analysis sections of this experiment.

2. Complete the computer-generated PRELAB assignment. The prelab questions for this experiment
provide practice with the types of calculations you will need to complete the data analysis section.

EXPERIMENTAL SECTION
REAGENTS PROVIDED WASTE DISPOSAL
Plant Food, solid.
All liquid wastes can go down the drain. Your
Epsom Salts (MgSO47H2O), solid.
final solid product should be put in the
Aqueous Ammonia (NH4OH), 1 M.
appropriate waste container. Used filter paper
can go in the trash cans.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

Buret stands and suction filtration apparatuses

should be available in the lab.

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 Experiment 10 – Analysis of Phosphorus in Plant Food

PROCEDURE Depending upon the specific type of plant

food, the solution may still appear cloudy after it
You will do the first solution preparation in a has dissolved. There may also be a few small
group of two or three. However, each individual particles that do not dissolve. However, in this
is responsible for preparing his/her own experiment, more error would be introduced by
ammonium magnesium phosphate hexahydrate trying to filter them out than to leave them. So,
product and turning in her/his own individual do you best to get them dissolve, but continue
report. even if they don’t completely dissolve.

SOLUTION PREPARATION 5. Measure out 15 mL of the 10%

This part should be done as a group. MgSO47H2O(aq) solution you prepared
earlier into a 50-mL graduated cylinder. Add
this to the 250-mL beaker.
1. Each group of three needs approximately
50 mL of a 10% by mass, aqueous solution of It's okay to add a couple of mL too much, as
it is being added in excess. Just make sure
MgSO47H2O (Epsom salts). Get together
there is enough for your two partners because
with your lab partners and develop a simple
you don’t want to run out so that someone adds
recipe for preparing this solution. When you
too little.
have your recipe, obtain the approval of the
lab assistant or instructor before proceeding.
Hint: You may assume that the density of 6. Measure approximately 15 mL of 1.0 M
water is approximately 1 g/mL. NH4OH(aq) into a 50-mL graduated cylinder.
Slowly (over the course of about a minute)
pour this into your reaction mixture while
2. Prepare the solution in a 100-mL beaker
stirring continuously.
according to your approved plan.
The exact amount of ammonia is not crucial
Write a brief description of how it was
as it is being added in excess. However, slightly
prepared on your data sheet.
too much is better than not quite enough.
If no solid forms, something is not right. You
PRECIPITATION REACTION
can try adding more ammonia or see if the
Each person should do this part individually. instructor has any wisdom to share. However,
most likely you will need to start over.
3. Weigh out 1.0 +/- 0.1 g of plant food in a
clean 250-mL beaker. Record the mass to 7. Let the reaction mixture sit undisturbed in
the nearest 0.001 g. the beaker for a full 10 minutes in order to
Any mass between 0.9 g and 1.1 g will be ensure that precipitation is complete.
fine. However, you need to record the exact
mass measured.
8. While waiting for precipitation to finish,
you should set up a suction filtration
4. Using your 50-mL graduated cylinder, add apparatus to collect the product.
15 mL of distilled water to the beaker to See the Analysis of Calcium Carbonate
dissolve the plant food. Tablets experiment if you don’t remember how
This can take several minutes of vigorous to use a suction filtration apparatus.
stirring. You can speed up the dissolution by
using a glass stirring rod to crush the solid and
9. Take a one-inch piece of labeling tape and
stir the mixture.
attach it to the bottom of a clean watch
Note: once you put the stirring rod in the glass. Write your name on the tape. Place a
solution you should leave it in the solution. If dry piece of 42.5 mm (small) filter paper on
you remove it, any liquid (containing phosphate
ions) clinging to the rod will be lost.

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 Experiment 10 – Analysis of Phosphorus in Plant Food

the watch glass and weigh them together. In general, it is always a good idea to use to
Record the mass on your data sheet. the same balance for before and after readings.
This eliminates any systematic error in the
10. Place the (just-weighed) filter paper in results due to the calibration of a balance being
the funnel of a suction-filtration apparatus, slightly off.
wet it down with 70% isopropyl alcohol from
a spray bottle, and collect the solid 14. Store the watch glass containing your
precipitate by suction filtration. product in your section's designated drawer
To ensure complete transfer of the solid onto until the next lab period, to allow for
the filter paper, you should rinse the 250-mL complete drying.
beaker using a spray bottle containing 70% Your instructor will inform you of where to
isopropyl alcohol. Pour the rinse liquid into the store your product. You will weigh your product
filter funnel and repeat rinsing as necessary. at the beginning of the next lab period.

11. With the suction still on, spray the liquid 15. Wash and dry your glassware and your
in the filter funnel using several mL of the hands.
70% isopropyl alcohol solution.
This will help remove the excess water from ----------------------------------------------------------------
the solid so it will dry more quickly.
16. At the start of the next lab period you will
12. Leave the suction on for an additional 5 weigh the watch glass and product to
minutes (or more) to help dry the solid. Then determine the mass of dry product obtained.
turn off the suction and carefully remove the Record this mass on the page labeled Yield
filter paper and product from the funnel and Report.
place it on the watch glass. (A spatula or If the mass of product you obtain is negative
tweezers can be used to facilitate this (or more than 2 grams) there is a problem. If so,
transfer.) Be careful not to lose any of your you may want to determine the mass of product
precipitate! by taring a balance with a piece of weighing
paper (or an empty watch glass) and then
13. Weigh the watch glass containing the transferring your product (by scraping it off your
filter paper and wet product. Record this watch glass and filter paper) to the weighing
mass on your data sheet. paper to get the mass of the product by itself.
This step is being done so that (1) you have Consult your instructor if you are uncertain of
some data to practice your calculations; and (2) how to proceed.
you will see how much the weight changes by After weighing, the product will go into a
the next lab period after the product has had a designated waste container and the filter paper
chance to dry. can be discarded in the trash cans.

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 Experiment 10 – Analysis of Phosphorus in Plant Food

Name Station Used Instructor/Day/Time

_
Partner Partner Station Checked & Approved

DATA SHEET

Be sure to record all data with the proper number of digits and correct units.

Briefly describe how you prepared the 10% solution of MgSO 47H2O (Epsom salts):

Brand of Plant Food Analyzed: ___________________________________________

Mass of Plant Food used: _______________________________

Mass of watch glass plus filter paper: _______________________________

Mass of watch glass, filter paper, and WET NH4MgPO46H2O: _______________________________

Copy the first three values onto the Yield Report page of the experiment before turning in your data sheet.

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 Experiment 10 – Analysis of Phosphorus in Plant Food

DATA ANALYSIS

Determine the mass percent of P2O5 in the plant food sample that you analyzed.
You may attach additional sheets of paper, if necessary. Be sure to:
1. Clearly specify and label any molar masses you determine and use in the calculations.
2. Clearly indicate the relevant stoichiometric relationship between moles of P2O5 and moles of
NH4MgPO46H2O.

WET Mass Percent P2O5 in your plant food sample: ______________________

(Since the product was still wet when you weighed it, you will not be graded on the accuracy of the mass
percent. You will only be graded on whether the calculation was done correctly.)

Turn in your Data Sheet and Data Analysis at the end of lab. You will turn in the Yield Report next lab.

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 Experiment 10 – Analysis of Phosphorus in Plant Food

Name Instructor/Day/Time

YIELD REPORT

This page will be turned in after the product has been reweighed, when it has had a chance to dry
overnight.

Brand of Plant Food Analyzed: ___________________________________________

Mass of Plant Food used: _______________________________

Mass of watch glass plus filter paper: _______________________________

Mass of watch glass, filter paper, and DRY NH4MgPO46H2O: _______________________________

Determine the mass percent of P2O5 in the plant food sample that you analyzed. (This is the same
calculation you did for the wet product during the last lab period, only the mass of product has changed.)
Show your calculation.

Mass Percent P2O5 in your plant food sample: ________________________________

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