In: Chemistry
For each of the following pairs of Group III cations, you are given an unknown and told that it contains one of te two cations. Describe a simpe test to determine which cation is present in each case. (Unless otherwise noted, assume they are aqueous solutions.
A. Al +3 and Fe +3
B. Fe (OH)3 (s) and Ni(OH)2 (s)
C. Cr +3 and Al +3
IN CLEAR HANDWRITING PLEASE!!
A. Al+3 & Fe+3
Aqueous solution of unknown salt is prepared. Then ammonium chloride and ammonium hydroxide is added into solution. Ammonium hydroxide is used as buffer base. Formation of reddish-brown precipitate will confirm about presence of Fe+3 cation. A gelatinous white precipitate shows Al+3 cation.
B. Fe(OH)3 & Ni(OH)2
In 1st salt, cation present is Fe+3, and in 2nd salt, cation present is Ni+2.
Adding extremely dilute hydrochloric acid, will cross check presence of both salts, if yellow precipitate or such coloured solution is formed, it will confirm presence of Fe+3. If its Ni+2 ion, it is showing green coloured solution in test tube or flask.
C. Cr+3 & Al+3
As said earlier in first case, after preparing aqueous solution of unknown salt, ammonium hydroxide and ammonium chloride is added into this solution. If gelatinous white precipitate is observed, Al+3 ion is present in solution while green precipitate shows about Cr+3 ion but it must be confirmed by adding sodium hydroxide as there may be presence of Fe+2 ion. After adding sodium hydroxide in excess of green precipitate, if it dissolves precipitate, it will confirm about Cr+3 otherwise it's a Fe+2 ion present in solution.