Chemistry - Complete Pblock- Question with Solution | TestHub
Which of the following compound used for extracting glue from bones and purifying bone black?
Options:
Answer:
Solution:
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is used to extract glue (gelatin) from bones by dissolving the mineral components (primarily calcium phosphate) and to purify bone black (animal charcoal) by removing inorganic impurities.
Explanation:
Bones consist mainly of collagen (which yields gelatin/glue) and inorganic minerals, primarily calcium phosphate, Ca₃(PO₄)₂. Hydrochloric acid reacts with calcium phosphate to form soluble calcium chloride and phosphoric acid, leaving behind the collagen.
Bone black, a form of activated carbon, is produced by charring bones. It contains carbon along with inorganic impurities. HCl is used to dissolve these inorganic impurities, thereby purifying the bone black and enhancing its adsorptive properties.
