Cation Analysis
Cation Analysis
Cation Analysis
After analysis of anion in the give salt, start with cation analysis using the following procedure.
GROUP CATIONS GROUP REAGENT
0 NH4+ Salt + conc. NaOH
1 Pb+2 OS+ dil. HCl
2 Cu+2 OS + dil. HCl + H2S
3 Fe+3 , Al+3 OS + dil. HNO3(few drops) + NH4Cl(s) +
NH4OH(excess)
4 Co+2, Ni+2, Mn+2, Zn+2 OS + dil. HNO3 + NH4Cl(s) + NH4OH(excess) +
H2S
5 Ca+2, Sr+2 , Ba+2 OS + dil. HNO3 + NH4Cl(s) + NH4OH(excess) +
(NH4)2CO3
6 Mg+2 no group reagent
GROUP 1 ANALYSIS(Pb+2)
PRELIMINARY : to the OS of the give salt add a few drops of dil. HCl
OBSERVATION : The formation of a white ppt of PbCl2 indicates the presence of Pb+2.
CONFIRMATORY TESTS: Dissolve the white ppt formed on the treatment of OS with dil. HCl in
some water and divide the solution into two parts. Perform the following tests with the solutions
formed:
1. Potassium iodide test: add a few drops of potassium iodide(KI) to one part of the above
solution. The formation of a yellow ppt confirms the presence of Pb+2.
2. Potassium Chromate test: add a few drops of potassium chromate(K2CrO4) to the other part
of the solution. The formation of a yellow ppt confirms the presence of Pb+2.
GROUP 2 ANALYSIS(Cu+2)
PRELIMINARY : to the OS of the given salt add a few drops of dil. HCl followed by passing H 2S
through the solution.
OBSERVATION: the formation of a black ppt indicates the presence of Cu+2 in the salt.
CONFIRMATORY TESTS: dissolve the ppt formed in 50% HNO3(using conc. HNO3) solution by
heating.
1. NH4OH test: add an excess of NH4OH to the above solution. The solution turns blue confirming
the presence of Cu+2 in the given salt.
2. Potassium ferrocyanide test: Acidify the above solution with 1-2 drops of acetic acid and add
a few drops of potassium ferrocyanide solution. The formation of a chocolate brown precipitate
confirms the presence of Cu+2.
PRELIMINARY : to the OS of the given salt add a few drops of conc HNO 3 followed by a
small amount of NH4Cl. Heat to dissolve NH4Cl followed by the addition of excess of
NH4OH(till the solution smells of ammonia).
OBSERVATION: formation of a gelatinous white ppt indicates the presence of Al +3 and the
formation of a reddish brown ppt confirms the presence of Fe+3.
Dissolve the ppt formed in either case in dil. HCl and divide the solution formed into two
parts.
PRELIMINARY : if no ppt is obtained in the analysis of group 3, pass H 2S through the solution.
OBSERVATION: Formation of a black ppt indicates Co+2 or Ni+2 , white ppt indicates Zn+2
and buff(light pink) colored ppt indicates Mn+2.
PRELIMINARY: in the OS of the given salt dissolve solid NH 4Cl, followed by the addition
of NH4OH in excess(till the solution smells of ammonia). Add (NH4)2CO3 solution in the
test tube.
GROUP 6 ANALYSIS(Mg+2)