EXPERIMENT 8: QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF GROUP III CATIONS

(DIRECT TESTS)

Under certain conditions some Group III cations maybe tested directly from the original
unknown solution without following the lengthy procedure.

1. TEST FOR MANGANESE ION

To 5 drops of the unknown solution, add 10-15 drops concentrated HNO3. Then add NaBiO3
pinch by pinch until the solid no longer dissolves. A pink to purple color indicates manganese.

RESULT:

2. TEST FOR NICKEL ION

To 5 drops of the unknown, add 5 drops water, 6M NH4OH dropwise until the precipitate first
formed dissolves (or until the solution smells of ammonia). Centrifuge. To the clear supernatant
liquid add a few drops of dimethylglyoxime (DMG). A red precipitate indicates nickel.

RESULT:

3. TEST FOR FERRIC ION

To 5 drops of the unknown, add 6 M HCl until acidic. Add KSCN dropwise. A deep red color
indicates ferric ion. If a precipitate forms upon addition of KSCN, add excess of the reagent
until complete precipitation.

RESULT:

4. TEST FOR COBALT ION

To test for cobalt, add KSCN and acetone to the solution. A deep blue color indicates the
presence of cobalt.
 RESULT:

5. TEST FOR ZINC

To a few drops of the unknown, add 6M Hac until acidic, 5 drops of thioacetamide. Heat in a
water bath. A white precipitate indicates zinc ion.

RESULT:

(Only aluminum and chromium ions are left or analysis.)

QUESTIONS:

1. Name the ion of Group III that will precipitate as:

a) Insoluble hydroxides

b) Insoluble sulfides

2. List the substances that will interfere in the direct test for Co (III).

3. How does Fe (III) interfere in the direct test for Co (II)?

4. Give a reagent or combination of reagents that will accomplish one-step separation of the
following pairs. Indicate what happens to each.

a. Mn2+ and Zn2+

b. Zn2+ and Ba2+
c. Co2+ and Ni2+