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Accurate Calculations for Hydrated Salts: Preparation & Analysis

Working with hydrated salts (e.g., CuSO₄·5H₂O, MgSO₄·7H₂O) requires careful calculations to account for the water molecules included in the crystal structure. Failing to do so leads to inaccurate solution concentrations. Westlab's Hydrated Salt Calculation Assistant provides two essential functions to handle these compounds accurately:

1. Prepare Solution from Hydrate: Need to make a solution of a specific molarity based on the anhydrous salt, but only have the hydrated form available? This mode calculates the exact mass of the hydrated salt you need to weigh out to achieve your target anhydrous molarity and volume. It includes a lookup for common salt anhydrous formula weights (FW) – just select your salt, enter the number of water molecules ('x') for the hydrate you are using, and get the precise mass required. Avoid concentration errors caused by unaccounted-for water weight!

2. Determine Waters of Hydration ('x'): Have you experimentally determined the mass of a hydrated salt before and after heating/drying? This mode helps you calculate the number of water molecules ('x') in your compound's empirical formula (Salt·xH₂O). Simply input the initial (hydrated) mass, final (anhydrous) mass, and the anhydrous formula weight. The tool calculates 'x' and suggests the empirical formula, providing valuable data for characterizing your sample.

Whether preparing standard solutions or analyzing experimental results, this tool ensures accuracy and saves time when working with hydrated salts.