Chemistry tests?

[phyphy...]

how to prove , with simple tests, that a compound:
- is ionic ?
- contains water of crystallization?

[polt3r]

Ionic: conducts electricity in solution and when molten.

Contains water of crystallization: Dry the salts between filter papers, heat, and condense the water on an inverted funnel.

[Lina]

1. Check the conductivity of water using a Multimeter.
Now dissolve the salt in water. Now check the conductivity again. If you see an increase in the conductivity, then be sure that the compound is ionic.

For info on how to use multimeter to check the conductivity, see this link - http://www.motherboardpoint.com/t52721-p2-ram-test.html

For more info about this experiment, see this link - http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:WXmd6KdAukQJ:www.nslc.ucla.edu/STEP/GK12/lessons%2520(word)/Math/Chemistry%2520lessons/What_s_the_Big_Shock__-_Conductivity_Inquiry%2520M.%2520Sam.doc+Checking+ conductivity+of+water+using+voltmeter&hl=en&ct=cln k&cd=2&gl=in&client=firefox-a


2. To test if they have water of crystallization, just heat it. If you note a change in colour, then you can be sure that it contains water of crystallisation.
This is because, most compounds that contain water of crystallization are transition metals, which can exhibit variable oxidation states. In variable oxidation states, transition metals display different colour.