Analysis of inorganic compounds Flashcards
How is a flame test carried out?
Dip a nichrome wire or silica glass flame test rod into concentrated hydrochloric acid (to clean it) then into the sample. Place the rod into the hottest part of the bunsen flame and look for a colour. If no colour is obvious, repeat. Ignore any faint yellow/orange colours that will be due to sodium impurities
What colour flame does a lithium ion produce?
Carmine red (eye cannot distinguish between lithium and strontium)
What colour flame does a sodium ion produce?
Intense yellow
What colour flame does a potassium ion produce?
Lilac
What colour flame does a calcium ion produce?
Brick red
What colour flame does a strontium ion produce?
Crimson red (eye cannot distinguish between lithium and strontium)
What colour flame does a barium ion produce?
Green
What colour flame does a magnesium ion produce?
No colour
How is a sodium hydroxide test carried out?
Dissolve a small amount of the unknown compound in distilled water (if it is a solid), and if it does not dissolve completely then add dilute nitric acid (all metal nitrates are soluble). Add dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide until a precipitate forms. If dilute nitric acid has been added then lots of sodium hydroxide solution may need to be added to neutralise the acid before a precipitate appears
What is seen when sodium hydroxide is added to a compound containing magnesium ions?
White powdery precipitate of magnesium hydroxide
What is seen when sodium hydroxide is added to a compound containing calcium ions?
White powdery precipitate of calcium hydroxide
What is seen when sodium hydroxide is added to a compound containing strontium ions?
White powdery precipitate of strontium hydroxide
What is seen when sodium hydroxide is added to a compound containing lithium ions?
White powdery precipitate of lithium hydroxide. In the reaction, water is also formed, and the concentration of lithium ions must be high for a precipitate to form
What is seen when sodium hydroxide is added to a compound containing barium ions?
Very faint white precipitate, but almost none, of barium hydroxide
What is seen when sodium hydroxide is added to a compound containing sodium ions? CHECK
Clear, colourless solution. Precipitate formed is soluble
What is seen when sodium hydroxide is added to a compound containing potassium ions?
Clear, colourless solution. Precipitate formed is soluble
What is seen when sodium hydroxide is added to a compound containing ammonium ions?
Clear, colourless solution. Precipitate formed is soluble
What is seen when sodium sulphate solution or dilute sulphuric acid is added to a compound containing barium ions?
Immediate thick white precipitate of barium sulphate
What is seen when sodium sulphate solution or dilute sulphuric acid is added to a compound containing strontium ions?
White precipitate of strontium sulphate forms within 30 seconds