Chemistry Lab: Introduction to Qualitative Analysis Adapted from “Quick Qual” used by

the UNO-CU Chemistry Field Day

Objective: Identify the positive tests for anions and cations.

Identify the cations and anions present in a set of unknown samples.

Procedure: The lab will be completed in two parts. In Part 1, you will identify the positive tests for
samples in which the cation and anion are known. Record observations of the positive
tests in your lab notebook. For the second part, you will identify the cation and anion
present in each of five separate unknowns.

Cations Anions

Na+, K+, Ba2+, Li+, NH4+ CO32-, SO42-, Cl-, C2H3O2-, I-

Part 1: Positive tests for cations:

Use the flame test technique to identify the sodium ion (produces a yellow flame), the potassium
ion (produces a faint purple flame), the barium ion (produces a green flame) and the lithium ion
(produces a red-fuchsia flame). The ammonium ion will not show a color in the flame test.

Test for ammonium: Add 10 drops of 6M sodium hydroxide to 10 drops of the sample. A faint
ammonia odor indicates the presence of the ammonium ion.

Positive tests for anions:

Carbonate: Add 10 drops of 6M HCl to 10 drops of sample. Odorless bubbles indicate the
presence of the carbonate ion.

Sulfate: Add 10 drops of 6M HCl to 10 drops of sample. Next add several drops of
barium chloride solution. A white precipitate indicates the presence of the sulfate
ion.

Iodide: Add 10 drops of starch solution to 10 drops of sample. Then add 10 - 20 drops of
hydrogen peroxide. A blue-black solution indicates the presence of the iodide ion.

Chloride: Add 10 drops of 1 N nitric acid to 10 drops of sample. Then add a few drops of
silver nitrate solution. A white precipitate indicates the presence of the chloride
ion.

Acetate: Add 10 drops of 3M sulfuric acid to 10 drops of the sample. A vinegar-like odor
indicates the presence of the acetate ion.

Part 2: Obtain a set of unknown solutions from the instructor. Record the code for the unknown in
your lab notes. Proceed with the tests as in Part 1. Record the identity of the cation and anion in a table
in your lab notebook.