SC25 Qualitative Analysis Flashcards
What is a flame test used for?
To identify metal ions by the colour of the flame they produce
Describe how to carry out a flame test
- Clean a wire loop by dipping it into HCL and then holding it in a blue flame until it burns without altering the colour of the flame
- Dip the clean wire loop into the unknown salt and then hold the loop in the blue flame of a Bunsen burner. Record the colour
- Repeat for other unknown samples
What colour flame does Lithium produce as the outcome of a flame test?
Red
What colour flame does Potassium (K+) produce as the outcome of a flame test?
Lilac
What colour flame does Sodium (Na+) produce as the outcome of a flame test?
Yellow
What colour flame does Calcium (Ca2+)
produce as the outcome of a flame test?
Orange-red
What colour flame does Copper (Cu2+) produce as the outcome of a flame test?
Blue-green
Give some examples of instrumental methods
- Gas chromatography
- Mass spectrometry
What are the advantages of using instrumental methods?
Accurate, sensitive and rapid
How can metal cations that are dissolved in a solution be identified?
Through the colour of the precipitate formed after the addition of sodium hydroxide
Describe how to carry out a hydroxide precipitate test
- Place a little of the unknown solution in a test tube and add a few drops of dilute sodium hydroxide solution. Record any observations
- If a white precipitate forms, add an excess of sodium hydroxide and record any observations
What is the effect of adding sodium hydroxide to aluminium?
Forms a white precipitate, dissolves in excess NaOH to form a colourless solution
What is the effect of adding sodium hydroxide to calcium?
White precipitate, insoluble, so remains in excess sodium hydroxide
What is the effect of adding sodium hydroxide to copper?
Light blue precipitate, insoluble in excess
What is the effect of adding sodium hydroxide to iron II?
Green precipitate, insoluble in excess