In: Chemistry
What inferences can be made? NaOH was added to a blue-green solution (Fe3+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Cr3+, and/or Zn2+). After stirring, the solution appeared light green with no precipitate.
All given acidic radicals (Fe3+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Cr3+, Zn2+) on addition of strong base NaOH forms there hydroxides which may or may not be soluble in NaOH solution depending on their solubility product(Ksp) values.
Fe3+ (aq.) + 3OH-(aq.) ------> Fe(OH)3 (ppt.)[Ksp = 3.8 x 10-38]
Ni2+ (aq.) + OH-(aq.) ------> Ni(OH)2
Mn2+ (aq.) + 2OH-(aq.) ------> Mn(OH)2 (ppt.)
Cr3+ (aq.) + 3OH-(aq.) ------> Cr(OH)3(ppt.)[Ksp= 2.9 x 10-29]
Zn2+ (aq.) + 2OH-(aq.) ------> Zn(OH)2
But observation says no precipitation occurred hence following inferences can be drawn,
1)III-group radicals Fe3+ and Cr3+ are certainly absent in the solution as there hydroxides are insoluble in water and in basic (excess NaOH) solutions.
2) IV-group radicals Mn2+ and Ni2+are also certainly absent as their hydroxides also do not dissolved in even excess NaOH (Basic) solution.
3)IV-group radical Zn2+ may present because its hydroxide Zn(OH)2 is soluble in excess NaOH solution by forming sodium zincate (Na2ZnO2 or Zn(ONa)2) which might have faded the color of solution to light green.
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