Distribution of iodine between two immiscible solvents

A close-up photograph of silver-grey iodine crystals on a neutral background

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Use this class experiment or demonstration to create an equilibrium distribution using iodine in two immiscible solvents. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this practical, students observe iodine crystals dissolving in equal volumes of two immiscible solvents, aqueous potassium iodide and cyclohexane, and familiarize themselves with the different colours of the two solutions. 

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