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Chemistry (including Biochemistry)/hydrates
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Question
why aren't you able to heat all hydrates?
I am guessing that you meant to add "to produce anyhydrous salts." at the end of your question. If not, write back.
Two things can happen with some hydrates. With organic hydrate salts, the organic part can simply decompose before the water is removed. With others the water ends up reacting with the salt. FeCl3 is an example. Hydrated FeCl3(H2O)n can be converted to the anhydrous salt by heating with thionyl chloride. The hydrate cannot be converted to FeCl3 by heat, instead HCl is evolved and FeOCl forms
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron(III)_chloride
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Answers by Expert:
Dr. Henry Boyter, Jr.
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Experience in the area
Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.
Experience
Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.
Education/Credentials
PhD, MS, BS in Chemistry
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