EXPERIMENT: IDENTIFICATION OF CATION

Cupric ion (Cu2+)

MATERIALS REQUIRED:
1. Test tubes - 2
2. Water
3. Sodium Hydroxide solution
4. Ammonium hydroxide solution
5. Copper [II] sulphate salt
[Hydrated copper sulphate] [Cupric sulphate]

PROCEDURE:
Prepare the solution of salt in water. Divide the solution into two parts.
Test 1: Take one part of solution and add sodium hydroxide solution first a little and then in
excess. Observe the change.
Test 2: Take another part of solution and add ammonium hydroxide solution first a little and
then in excess. Observe the change.

EQUATIONS:
1. CuSO4 + 2NaOH →Na2SO4 + Cu(OH)2↓
[Pale blue]

2. With few drops of ammonium hydroxide

CuSO4 + 2NH4OH →(NH4)2SO4 + Cu(OH)2↓
[Pale blue]
3. With excess of ammonium hydroxide
Cu(OH)2 + (NH4)2SO4 + 2NH4OH → 4H2O + [Cu(NH3)4]SO4
[Tetra amine copper sulphate]
[Deep blue solution]
OBSERVATION:
Test 1: A pale blue insoluble precipitate is evolved
Test 2: A pale blue precipitate is formed which dissolves in excess ammonium hydroxide to
form a deep blue or inky blue solution.

INFERENCE:
The cation present in the salt is Cu2+(Cupric ion)

QUIZ TIME:
1.Name the reagents used for the identification of Ferrous ion.
Ans: Sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide
2.What is the observation when sodium hydroxide solution is added in excess to Copper [II]
sulphate solution.
Ans: Insoluble pale blue precipitate is formed.
3. What is the observation when ammonium hydroxide solution is added in excess to
Copper[II] sulphate solution.
Ans: A pale blue precipitate formed dissolves in excess ammonium hydroxide solution and
forms a dark blue solution.

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