TOPIC: Qualitative analysis PURPOSE: To determine the cations and anions of inorganic substances.

THEORY: Chemical analysis is the process by which we can find out the composition of a substance by breaking it down into its constituents. Qualitative analysis is used to find the elements present in a given compound or mixture. Reactions of the cations and anions with specific reagents enable its identity to be obtained. PROCEDURE: a) KA1 and KA2 solids are simple salts. The following experiments with solid KA1 is carried out to identify its cation and anion. b) You are then required to plan and carry out a few experiments with solid KA2 to identify its cation and anion present in that solid KA2. In all the experiments, the reagent should be added gradually until no further change is observed. Your observations and the deductions you made from them is recorded in the table provided. What you can say about KA1 and KA2 is deduced. The observations should include details of colour changes, precipitates, and tests on gases evolved and at which stage in a test a change occurred is indicated. c) The same procedure is repeated to identify KA2.

RESULTS OBSERVATION AND DEDUCTION FOR KA1 TEST Dilute hydrochloric acid is added to a small amount of solid KA1, then its gently warmed. Solid KA1 is dissolved in distilled water and filtered. Separate portions is used for the filtrate for the following tests i. Aqueous sodium hydroxide is added, then in excess. White precipitate is formed. White precipitate is not dissolved in excess. ii. Aqueous ammonia is added, then in excess, followed by aqueous ammonium chloride. iii. Aqueous iron (III) chloride is added, then is warmed. iv. Aqueous silver nitrate is added, followed by dilute nitric acid. White precipitate is formed. White precipitate do not dissolved in dilute nitric acid. v. Aqueous disodium hydrogen White precipitate is formed. The insoluble phosphate salt is formed. KA1 contains chloride ion. Light yellow solution turns colour to brown. White precipitate is formed and it is dissolved in excess. Soluble ammonium salt is formed OBSERVATION Blue litmus paper turns to red Litmus paper turns colourless The KA1 solution is divided into six test tubes. HCl is a bleaching agent. DEDUCTION Gas produced is acidic

phosphate is added. vi. Aqueous potassium chromate (IV) is added followed by dilute hydrochloric acid From colourless change colour to yellowish With dilute HCl, solution change from yellow to brown. Dichromate is formed, KA1 is an oxidation agent.

Identity of KA1 : Magnesium chloride

OBSERVATION AND DEDUCTION FOR KA2 TEST Dilute hydrochloric acid is added to a small amount of solid KA2, then its gently warmed. Solid KA2 is dissolved in distilled water and filtered. Separate portions is used for the filtrate for the following tests i. Aqueous sodium hydroxide is added, then in excess. White precipitate is formed. White precipitate is not dissolved in excess. ii. Aqueous ammonia is added, then in excess, followed by White precipitate is formed. White precipitate is not The filtered KA2 is divided into six test tubes. OBSERVATION Blue litmus paper turns to red DEDUCTION Gas produced is an acidic gas.

aqueous ammonium chloride. iii. Aqueous iron (III) chloride is added, then is warmed.

dissolved in excess.

Yellowish solution turns to brown. A pungent smell is produced when the solution is warmed.

iv.

Aqueous silver nitrate is added, followed by dilute nitric acid.

No change occurs.

v.

Aqueous disodium hydrogen phosphate is added.

White precipitate is formed.

vi.

Aqueous potassium chromate (IV) is added followed by dilute hydrochloric acid

Yellow precipitate is formed. In HCl: Colour of solution changes to brown.

Identity of KA2: Zinc nitrate

DISCUSSION:

CONCLUSION: Through the experiment, we can know the identity of KA1 and KA2 solution. We can identify KA1 as magnesium chloride while KA2 as zinc nitrate based on the properties shown when tested with some substances.

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