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1. Prepare known solution by mixing approximately 1 ml each of magnesium nitrate, barium nitrate,
2. Then add 15 M NH4OH drop by drop until basic and add 3 drops in excess.
5. Mix and allow the solution to stand for at least five minutes
6. Centrifuge.
7. Test for completeness of precipitation by adding a few drops of the ammonium carbonate reagent.
(If a cloudiness forms around the drops of reagent added, stir the solution, warm gently, and then-centrifuge
again.)
8. Test again for completeness of precipitation.
9. When precipitation is complete decant the supernatant liquid which may contain magnesium ion and
(Use this supernatant liquid to test for potassium by A-4). (Wash the precipitate with two 2 ml portions of water
and discard the washings.)
1. To the precipitate add 6 MHAc dropwise until the solid is just dissolved, or until 10 drops of the HAc
precipitate.
6. Centrifuge.
(If no precipitate forms barium is absent and the solution is treated by B-2.)
(If a precipitate forms, heat again and add a second drop of 1 M K2CrO4. Centrifuge.)
(If the solution is colorless, heat to boiling, add a third drop of 1 M K2CrO4. Centrifuge.)
9. Wash the precipitate with two 1 ml portions of water and discard the washings.
Ba2+
11. Apply the flame test.
(If the color of the solution makes the precipitate appear yellow, centrifuge and discard the supernatant liquid.)
BaSO4
8. To confirm strontium, wash the precipitate with two 1ml portions of water.
ppt: SrCO3
13. Wash the precipitate with two 1ml portions of water and discard the washings:
14. Dissolve the residue in three drops of 6M HCI and make a flame test on the solution.
3. Heat the precipitate with the full heat of the burner then allow the tube to cool.
ppt: CaC2O4
4. Add three drops of 6 M HCI to the residue and carry out the flame test.
(For those who find the color of the calcium flame difficult to distinguish, the white precipitate with ammonium
5. Wash the ppt. with two 1 ml portions of water and discard the washings.
ppt: MgNH4PO4
6. Dissolve the ppt, in three drops of 6M HCI and dilute with 2 ml water.
10. If the color of the solution obscures the color of the ppt.
12. Suspend the ppt. in 1 ml of water containing three drops of 6 M NaOH and note its color.
(Note: If the S and O reagent is not available the formation of a white ppt. with NaOH will confirm
magnesium.) ‘