Fourth Form Chemistry Practical wc 2013/01/13

Qualitative Analysis Tests on Al3+ Pb2+ and Zn2+ ions EY 2014

The aim of todays exercise is to allow students to become familiar with the common laboratory tests for
some cations, to observe the results and to understand the principles of those qualitative analysis tests for
future use in finding the possible identity of unknowns. These three ions used today form amphoteric oxides
and hydroxides and apart from their colour this is why they have been given to be tested together.

The hydroxides of all metals except Group I and to some degree Barium are insoluble. Hence if hydroxide
ion is added to a solution containing a cation other than Group I or barium ions a precipitate should be
formed. Hence we can use a solution of sodium hydroxide to tests for the presence of metal ions other than
Group I. Ammonium hydroxide i.e.aqueous ammonia, also supplies hydroxide ion and this too may be
used. The supply of OH- by aqueous ammonia is low and hence may not give a precipitate unless the
concentration of the cation is fairly high and so some cations may not give ppt. with aqueous ammonia.
Interestingly aqueous ammonia also supplies NH3 molecules which are able to react with the cations in
solution. These two reagents are most commonly used in qualitative analysis. There are other reagents
which are more specific in identifying particular cations which, because of their specific reaction results we
can say they confirm that a suspected cation is present.

Carry out the following tests on each of the above cations. Use about 1 cm3 of each solution for each of the
tests which is separate from the other.

1. (a)Add NaOH(aq) slowly after observing decant the product then add XS
2. Repeat test 1 using aqueous ammonia instead of NaOH(aq)
3. Add a few drops aqueous potassium iodide
4. Add a little aqueous sodium carbonate

Questions

1. What precipitate is formed in test 1

2. Why did the precipitate dissolve in XS?
3. Explain how Test1, Test 2 and one other may be used to distinguish between these three ions.

YOUR TEACHER SHALL GUIDE AND INSTRUCT YOU IN REPORTING THIS PRACTICAL