Qualitative Analysis

All salts are ionic compounds. Hence, they

contain cations (positive ions) and anions
(negative ions). We can make use of this idea to
identify an unknown salt.

The process of identification of cations and

anions is known as qualitative analysis.

Tip: In order to identify an unknown salt, it must

be dissolved in water.
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 Identifying Cations

Most cations give precipitates with alkalis.

Exceptions: Na+, K+ and NH4+

A cation can be identified by noting the following

a) the colour of the precipitate produced
b) whether the precipitate is soluble or insoluble
in an excess of an alkali.
c) whether ammonia gas is liberated on addition
of sodium hydroxide solution.
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Copyright © 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
Copyright © 2006-2011 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
 What are the precipitates?

The precipitate in each of the reactions is the

hydroxide of the metal ion.

For example, the reddish-brown precipitate in

a solution containing iron(III) ions is iron(III)
hydroxide, Fe(OH)3.

Fe3+(aq) + 3OH-(aq)  Fe(OH)3

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 What are the precipitates?

Some of the precipitates dissolve in excess

sodium hydroxide or aqueous ammonia
(for example, solutions containing zinc ions or
copper(II) ions).

This is due to the formation of compounds that

are soluble in water.

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 Identifying Anions

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 Identifying Gases

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 Identifying Gases

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 How do we test for the presence of
water?

When a substance is heated, a colourless

liquid that condenses near the top of the test
tube is most likely to be water given off by a
hydrated salt.

There are two chemical tests that will show

whether a liquid is water.

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 Identifying Water

1. Test with anhydrous copper(II) sulphate

Water will change the colour of anhydrous
copper(II) sulphate from white to blue.

2. Test with anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride

Water will change the colour of dry
cobalt(II) chloride paper from blue to pink.

Note that these two tests only show the presence of water.
They cannot be used to test for the purity of water.
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