Temperature Effects on Iron Thiocyanate Keq
Temperature Effects on Iron Thiocyanate Keq
Examination of the correlation between temperature and the equilibrium constant of the
iron (III) thiocyanate complex reaction
May 2025
Candidate Number:
1.Introduction
1.1 Research Question
Research Question: “How do fluctuations in temperature correlate with the determination of the
equilibrium constant of iron (III) thiocyanate complex equilibrium reaction?”
1.Background Information
Reversible reactions are chemical reactions in which the products that are formed simultaneously
react to produce the original reactants (Britannica). This reaction occurs due to enthalpy and
entropy favouring opposite sides, which concludes when a balance is struck between the
potential energy within the bonds and its tendency to disperse and dilute (Lower, 2022). In a
chemical equilibrium, the two opposing directions of the reaction possess equal rates of reaction,
resulting in a net zero change in the amounts of substances involved (Britannica). Thus, an
equilibrium system can be represented with the following equation:
𝑎𝐴 + 𝑏𝐵 ⇔ 𝑐𝐶 + 𝑑𝐷
Where:
- Capitalized letters: reactants and products at equilibrium
- Lowercase letters: Corresponding stoichiometric coefficients
A system at equilibrium is positioned with respect to the amounts of reactants and products in the
system, which is represented by the equilibrium constant Keq. The Keq expresses the ratio between
the concentrations of reactants and products, and can be calculated using the following formula:
𝑐 𝑑
[𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑠] [𝐶] [𝐷]
𝐾𝑒𝑞 = [𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠]
= 𝑎 𝑏
[𝐴] [𝐵]
Following Le Chatelier’s Principle, changes in one of the variables that describe a system at
equilibrium would produce a shift in the equilibrium in order to minimize such stress (Bodner
Research Web). Some common stressors include changes in concentration of reactants and
products, pressure, volume and temperature. However, temperature is the only stress that is able
to alter Keq, as it directly affects the chemical kinetics and thermodynamics of the equilibrium
system at a molecular level. However, due to the dynamic nature of equilibrium systems and
other experimental limitations, it is difficult to measure the concentration of reactant and product
species at equilibrium. Thus, colourful reactions tend to be favored, as it clearly displays the
favored direction of the equilibrium as well as allowing for observation techniques only available
for coloured equilibrium systems.
In this investigation, the complex ion of iron (III) thiocyanate will be used to explore the effect
of temperature on the Keq value:
Fe³⁺ + SCN⁻ ⇌ FeSCN²⁺
Pale Yellow Colourless Blood red
This complex ion has a noticeable blood red colour, which differs from the pale yellow colour of
the Fe+3 ions and the colourless SCN- ions. Thus, in this equilibrium system, a colour shift to a
darker blood red signifies that the reaction has shifted towards the products, with a higher
concentration of FeSCN2+, while a colour shift to a clear pale yellow indicates that the reaction
1
has shifted to produce a greater concentration of Fe+3 and SCN-. This noticeable colour change
can be used in conjunction with Beer-Lambert’s Law, which states that there is a linear
relationship between the absorbance of green light and concentration of FeSCN2+, as green is the
complementary colour to the red solution of FeSCN2+(Edinburgh Instruments). Thus, Part 1 of
this investigation will generate the calibration curve by measuring the absorbance of green light
of five FeSCN2+ solutions with known concentrations. This calibration curve will be used in Part
2 of the investigation, as it can be used to determine the unknown concentration of FeSCN2+ at
equilibrium and how Keq changes as a temperature stress is induced in the solution. Since the
reaction of Fe+3 ions reacting with SCN- to produce FeSCN2+ is exothermic in the forward
direction, increasing the temperature will cause the reaction to shift to the reactants, as the
system will favour the reverse reaction in an attempt to dissipate the heat (Harper College).
When the new equilibrium is reached, the reaction will have more reactants than products which
consequently lowers the Keq value as temperature increases.
Additionally, the Van’t Hoff equation is able to quantitatively describe the relationship between
change in temperature and Keq value (Tuckerman, 2022). The Van’t Hoff equation is given by the
following equation:
𝐾 ∆𝐻
θ
1 1
𝑙𝑛( 𝐾2 ) =− 𝑅
(𝑇 − 𝑇1
)
1 2
Where:
- K1 & K2: Equilibrium constants at temperature T1 and T2
- ΔHθ: Standard enthalpy change
- R: Gas constant (8.31 J K-1 mol-1)
- T1 & T2: Absolute temperatures in Kelvin
The Van’t Hoff equation shows that the relationship between ln(K) and 1/T is linearly related,
with the standard enthalpy change determining the gradient.
Thus it is hypothesized that increasing the temperature of the equilibrium of FeSCN2+ will lead to
its Keq value exponentially decreasing, following the Van’t Hoff equation.
2.Methodology
2.1 Variables
Independent Variable: Temperature of iron (III) thiocyanate complex (10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°
Celsius). The chosen temperature intervals will be achieved using common equipment like water
baths and hot plates which provide sufficient data points to observe trend shifts in
concentrations. Additionally, the 20°C temperature point is close to room temperature, allowing
comparison to published literature values.
Dependent Variable: Keq value of iron (III) thiocyanate complex. As outlined above,
temperature is the only imposed stress that is able to alter the Keq value of an equilibrium system.
2
Thus, the Keq will be investigated using a spectrophotometer and a calibration curve in order to
determine the concentration (mol dm-3) of FeSCN2+ at equilibrium.
Period of water ● The solution must shift to the new ● Each solution was given a
bath equilibrium after it has been moment to adjust to the
introduced to the temperature stress new equilibrium before
before transferred into the taking its absorbance
spectrophotometer. data.
2.2 Procedure
3
2.2.2 Safety, Ethical, Environmental Considerations
- Safety: FeCl3, KSCN and FeSCN2+ are skin irritants. Wear protective gloves, clothes and
eye protection to avoid any accidental contact. In case of skin or eye contact, wash
thoroughly with soap and water. Ensure adequate ventilation and air handling systems are
operational (WHMIS).
- Ethical: Minimize the use of toxic chemicals if possible, and follow established safety
guidelines.
- Environmental: Follow proper disposal procedures to prevent chemical pollution of the
environment and local ecosystems.
4
7. Using the absorbance data collected, plot the calibration curve of the FeSCN2+ ions, with
[FeSCN2+] on the X-axis and its corresponding absorbance on the Y-axis.
8. Generate a line of best fit, and determine its corresponding linear equation.
Source: [Link]
6. Place the test tube in the water bath, and allow the solution to also reach the desired
temperature.
7. Add a sample of the equilibrium solution into a cuvette, filling it about ¾ of a cuvette.
8. Measure and record the absorbance of each solution three times at its peak wavelength
and measure its average.
9. Repeat steps 5 to 8 at different temperatures (10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C) adjusting
the temperature of the hot plate water bath.
5
3.Analysis
3.1 Qualitative Data
Part 1:
● FeCl3 is pale yellow in solution with distilled water, while KSCN is clear and colourless
in solution.
● Reacting the two solutions immediately turned the solution (FeSCN2+) blood red in
colour.
● Lowering the volume of KSCN and increasing the volume of distilled water led to the
solution becoming lighter in intensity.
Part 2:
● Noticeable difference in colour between the solutions placed in the 10°C and 50°C water
baths. 50°C equilibrium solution had a slightly lighter and less intense blood red colour.
6
3.3 Processed Data
As outlined in the introduction, the Beer-Lambert Law is utilized to generate a calibration curve
between the concentration of FeSCN2+ and its absorbance of green light. The data from table 3 is
used to generate the calibration curve (figure 2).
The high R2 value of 0.974 indicates a strong positive correlation between the two variables.
Examining the line of best fit, it can be seen that it has the following equation: y = 935⋅x. This
equation will be used in Part 2 in order to convert the absorbance values into some [FeSCN2+]
values, which will ultimately be used to determine the Keq value at different temperatures. Using
the equation acquired from above, as well as the absorbance values from table 4, the
concentration of FeSCN2+ at different temperatures can be determined (table 5).
After the [FeSCN2+] calculations are completed for all five temperatures, the initial
concentrations of [Fe3+] and [SCN-] can be calculated using the following ICE table (table 6).
The initial concentrations of Fe3+ and SCN- was calculated by dividing the total volume of the
equilibrium solution by the standard concentration of [Fe3+] or [SCN-] multiplied by its initial
volume.
7
Table 6. ICE Table for calculating [Fe3+] and [SCN-] at equilibrium
[Fe3+] [SCN-] [FeSCN2+]
● 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠𝐹𝑒𝐶𝑙 = 0. 20 ± 0. 005𝑔
3
𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑈𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑦 0.005
% uncertainty = 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠𝐹𝑒𝐶𝑙
· 100% = 0.20
· 100% = 2. 5%
3
8
● 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 = 100 ± 0. 1 𝑚𝐿
100 𝑚𝐿
𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑈𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑦 0.1
% uncertainty = 100𝑚𝐿
· 100% = 100
· 100% = 0. 1%
● 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒 = 5 ± 0. 01 𝑚𝐿 → % uncertainty = 0.2%
5 𝑚𝐿
10 217 ± 37
20 189 ± 28
30 194 ± 26
40 191 ± 24
50 167 ± 21
9
Figure 3. Relationship between Keq and temperature variance
Figure 3 displays a clear negative linear correlation between the temperature of the equilibrium
solution (x-axis) and the value of Keq (y-axis), with a coefficient of determination of -0.8679,
which aligns with the predicted overall trend of the Keq decreasing as temperature increases.
While the variables are negatively correlated, it differs from the hypothesis, as it displays a linear
relationship while it was hypothesized that it will be negatively exponential. This is due to the
limited temperature range, and will be elaborated further in the evaluation section.
4.Conclusion
This investigation aimed to answer the research question: How do fluctuations in temperature
correlate with the determination of the equilibrium constant of iron (III) thiocyanate complex
equilibrium reaction? Figure 3 shows the relationship between the two, displaying a clear
negative linear correlation between the two variables. The system at 10°C had a Keq value of 217
while at 50°C, the Keq value was significantly lower, at 167. This supports my hypothesis that
increasing the temperature will result in a lowered Keq value.
10
reduced product yield but an increase in reactants, signaled by the decrease in intensity of the
blood red colour of FeSCN2+. Therefore it can be said that as the reaction shifts to the reactants,
the Keq value will decline.
Further examining figure 3, it can be seen that the two variables are linearly related to one
another. However, as mentioned in the background information, the actual relationship between
the two would show an exponential decay curve for an exothermic reaction following the Van’t
Hoff equation, which is lacking in this representation. This misrepresentation will be discussed
further in the evaluation section.
Comparing the results obtained from this experiment to published literature values, it is said that
the Keq value of FeSCN2+ at 20°C is approximately 113 (Harvard, 2024). Thus, this published
value can be compared to the Keq value obtained in this investigation by obtaining the percentage
error, which can be calculated using the following formula:
Using the formula above, the percentage error for the Keq value at 20°C was determined to be
67.3% difference. This error can be produced by methodological errors, which will be outlined
below. However, due to the strong nature of the investigation method and the overall trend
aligning with the published literature values, it can be said that this investigation successfully
answered the RQ of the effect of temperature changes on the Keq value as seen by the decrease in
the Keq value as temperature is increased.
5.Evaluation
5.1 Strengths
Table 10. Strengths
Strengths Reason
Repetition of trials, 3 trials per data point, Repeated procedure ensures that concordant
averages were made to represent all trials. results are obtained.
Measurement uncertainties were propagated in Acknowledges potential limitations and errors that
order to account for potential errors. might have risen from measuring devices (ex.
Graduated cylinders, timer, scale, etc.).
Safe reagent disposal, proper and responsible Ensures no harmful chemicals affect the
handling of chemicals. investigator nor the environment.
11
5.2 Weaknesses
Table 11. Methodological weaknesses
Methodological Weakness Improvements
The limited temperature range restricts the Expanding the research to beyond 50°C and 10°C
understanding of the effect of heat on the Keq would ensure better understanding of the effect of
value, as it oversimplifies and dismisses any heat on the Keq value, in addition to being able to
potential nonlinear behaviours that appear beyond better identify graphical trends.
the chosen data points. Following the Van’t Hoff
equation, the real graph would show an
exponential decay curve, which is missing from
this investigation.
The low mass of KSCN(s) that was needed for the The use of more advanced equipment like
0.002M standard solution is difficult to measure, analytical balances would minimize mass
contributing to a random error that can impact the measurement errors even further. Alternatively,
calibration curve, and in turn affect the Keq values. making a more concentrated stock solution (ex.
Additionally, any small errors in volume 0.1M KSCN) and diluting it further to 0.002M
measurements would result in significant will reduce the impacts of weighing errors.
deviations from the intended 0.002M
concentration.
θ
Due to a missing ∆𝐻 value, it is impossible to As an extension, the standard enthalpy change can
quantitatively predict how temperature would be calculated using a calorimeter, which could be
affect the Keq value, as the Van’t Hoff equation is substituted with the use of a paper cup in a high
incomplete. school setting. This would allow for a more
accurate representation of the relationship
between temperature fluctuations and Keq values.
12
Works Cited
Complex Ions, [Link] Accessed 6 January 2025.
Britannica. “Chemical equilibrium | Definition, Equation, & Facts.” Britannica, 20 July 1998,
2025.
Harvard University. “Equilibrium of Iron (III) Thiocyanate.” Harvard Natural Sciences Lecture Demonstrations, 26
July 2024,
[Link]
Lower, Stephen. “11.1: Introduction to Chemical Equilibrium.” Chemistry LibreTexts, 13 November 2022,
[Link]
Tuckerman, Mark E. “26.7: The van 't Hoff Equation.” Chemistry LibreTexts, 2 September 2022,
[Link]
hemistry_(LibreTexts)/26%3A_Chemical_Equilibrium/26.07%3A_The_van_'t_Hoff_Equation. Accessed
23 January 2025.
WHMIS. “Safety Data Sheet - Iron Thiocyanate.” Canadian Hazardous Products Regulations and WHMIS 2015, 27
13