Practical investigations
Read our general notes on Risk Assessment
I'm doing my coursework on the thiosulpate-acid expt. What is the shape of the thiosulphate ion, and does how the mechanism for the reaction work?
Ulex writes ...
The thiosulphate ion is very similar in shape to the sulphate ion, with one oxygen atom replaced by a sulphur atom. The sulphate ion is exactly tetrahedral, so the thiosulphate ion is a slightly distorted tetrahedron.
I believe that the reaction is first order with respect to each of thiosulphate and hydrogen ion, but beyond this I do not know what has been done to elucidate the mechanism.
Risk assessment
Before attempting any practical work based on the advice and suggestions on this website, you must do the following. Identify any hazards, assess the risks from these hazards, and then decide appropriate control measures to reduce the risks. You must have these approved by those in authority in your school or college laboratory. Do not rely on what is said on this website.
For further guidance see our tutorial on Risk Assessment.
back to Practical investigations
Rate this page or react
Share your views on this page, 10 ratings so far
, rated at 
updated: 25 February 2004
