Question

I am currently doing an unknown salts project where I am given 2 vials. Vial A contains 2 salts, and vial B contains the two salts found + another salt.

Here are all the possible salts that can be mine:
NaI MgCl2 K2SO4 NaCl
KI Na2SO4 CaCO3 Al2(SO4)3
CaCl2 KCl Na2CO3 MgSO4
Al2O3 MgCO3 CaSO4 K2CO3
All Equipment that was provided are:
• Each student will be provided with two small numbered vials, one containing powder sample (A) and the other (B). Be sure to record your unknown number!
Additional samples of your unknown may be requested at a cost of 5 points deduction per vial of additional sample requested.
• The following chemicals are available:
Solid samples of each of the sixteen chemicals listed in the investigation report in labeled bottles. phenolphthalein and aluminon indicators (small dropper bottles).
250-mL bottles of 6 M and 1 M acids HCl(aq), H2SO4(aq), and CH3COOH(aq).
250-mL bottles of 6 M and 1 M bases NaOH(aq) and NH3(aq).
250-mL bottles of 1 M solutions of AgNO3(aq) and BaCl2(aq).
250-mL bottle of 0.5 M solution of Na2SO4(aq).
250-mL bottle of 0.1 M solution of Na3Co(NO2)6(aq).
250-mL bottle of saturated CaO(aq).
250-mL bottle of ethanol, CH3CH2OH(l).
• The following extra equipment will also be available for your use:
one conductivity meter (light bulb test apparatus, see your instructor before using) two pH meters
Filter paper
Centrifuges (please see your instructor for safety instructions before use)
CRC Handbook and Merck Index

I first tested solubility with DI water, it was insoluble which left me to only 4 choices on that possible salts list. I then added drops of HCL to the test tube of my unknown + water, no dissolving occurred nor did it bubble, so I figured that it was no CO3 in solution. That is what I have so far, we are limited to only a few days to figure out all salts, please let me know steps I can to successfully achieve this!!!

Answer 1

*According to the Vials A contains all powder salt.Therefore vials A contains:-CaCO3, NaCO3,MgCO3,H2CO3.

Again Vials B contains all chloride and sulphate salt because when drops HCl and water was added,it not buble. Again no dissolving is occure, therefore unknown salt contains only insoluble salt. Al2O3 is confirmed by addition of Aluminon indicator which gives brilliantly colored lake pigments with Aluminum. Again for vials A, first test all the salts by dilute acid HCl and H2O. All gives bubles of CO2 gas.

Now, doing the flame test we can get a preliminary idea of all the salt which have contains Ca, Na & K salts.

Na salt gives golden yellow flame.

K salt gives Crimson flame

Ca salt gives Brik red colour flame,

Test for K+ & Na+:-

solution of salt + Na₃Co(NO₂)₆---------> yellow precipitate, which is insoluble in acetic acid, it confirms the presence of Na⁺.

Again, solution of salt + Na₃Co(NO₂)₆ +acetic acid--------> yellow precipitate. it gives the confirmation of presence of K⁺ salt.