Temperature Required to Dehydrate a Hydrated Compound

  • Thread starter Curtis15
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Temperature
In summary, the desiccant silica gel can be regenerated at a temperature of around 150°C in an oven.
  • #1
Curtis15
23
0
Hey Guys,

I am looking for information related to the dehydration temperatures of hydrated compounds, particularly silica compounds.

For research I am working on, we are trying to figure out at what temperature will the water molecules in a certain compound begin to leave the structure.

I do not want to make the assumption that it would be at around 100 C, because that seems too obvious and I feel like it would depend on how specifically the molecules are bound and how many there are.

The information in my general chemistry textbook is literally only a paragraph on the subject, so I was wondering if anyone here could either tell me directly how to go about calculating something like this or direct me to a place where I can start to look for information.

The compound of interest is hydrated SiO2 if that helps any.

Thanks all.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
Silica gel - which is basically SiO2 - is often used as a desiccant, and can be regenerated by an hour or so in an oven at ~ 150°C. While I haven't used silica gel for much of anything since my undergrad days, other desiccants (Drierite is my oldest and best friend on this count, and is basically anhydrous calcium sulfate) are also regenerated by such a protocol, although you typically want to hit at least 200°C in that case.

Let me know if the above serves as a starting point.
 
  • #3
Thank you very much. Your answer is along the lines of what I am looking for. However, the SiO2 was just a starting point. Besides remembering temperatures from your experience, would you know of a place where this information is given for a wide variety of compounds?

There is also one thing I forgot to add. Our setup includes a vacuum chamber where pressures will be on the order of 10^-7 Torr. Do you believe this will greatly affect the dehydration temperature?
 
  • #4
It's been a while since I've had a copy at my fingertips, but there is a "drying agents" brochure put out by Merck that describes the use of various desiccants. I am certain it is Google-able.

You have a vacuum setup? Yes, that can impact things. Often, vacuum drying is used to remove trace amounts of liquids from desiccants. Insofar as a simple and quantitative way of calculating these processes in more detail, I don't have anything for you off the top of my head. (I wish I could say I'd be happy to help further, but I'm already running around in my increasingly rare free time doing things for my research beyond working hours.)

You might want to poke around the chemical engineering literature on this, as drying processes are something that have been written about in some detail as memory serves.
 
  • #5
Thank you for the fantastic replies, I totally appreciate it.
 
  • #6
Do you know what thermogravimetric curve is?
 

FAQ: Temperature Required to Dehydrate a Hydrated Compound

1. What is the purpose of dehydrating a hydrated compound?

Dehydration of a hydrated compound is often done to remove water molecules from the compound, which can alter its chemical and physical properties. This process is commonly used in the production of pharmaceuticals, food products, and other materials.

2. How is the temperature required for dehydration determined?

The temperature required for dehydration depends on the specific compound being dehydrated. It can be determined through experimentation and analysis of the compound's properties, such as its melting point and boiling point.

3. What factors can affect the temperature required for dehydration?

The temperature required for dehydration can be affected by various factors, including the type and amount of water present in the compound, the strength of the bonds between the compound and water molecules, and the presence of other substances that may interfere with the dehydration process.

4. Is there a specific range of temperatures that are suitable for dehydrating hydrated compounds?

Yes, there is a specific range of temperatures that are suitable for dehydrating hydrated compounds. Generally, temperatures between 100-200°C are commonly used for this process, but it can vary depending on the compound and the desired level of dehydration.

5. Are there any safety precautions to consider when dehydrating a hydrated compound?

Yes, safety precautions should always be taken when dehydrating a hydrated compound, as the process often involves high temperatures. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn, and the experiment should be conducted in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes or vapors.

Similar threads

Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
11K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Back
Top