EXPERIMENT 5: Group V Anions: 𝑩𝟒 𝑶𝟕𝟐− , 𝑵𝑶𝟐− , 𝑵𝑶𝟑− 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒍𝑶𝟑−
POST-LABORATORY REPORT
By Group 4
Analytical Chemistry
ECHE101
Subject Adviser: Benedict Salazar
Members:
Joram Zach Escaro
Marbe Gernalin
Rhea Jean Noble
ENCH1A
University of Saint La Salle – Bacolod
May 18, 2023
Introduction
This group includes those anions, the nitrite, nitrate, chlorate, and borate ions, which are
not precipitated in the first four groups of the anion. This group might be designated as the water-
soluble group since most of the common salts of these anions are soluble in water. This statement
is not entirely true in regard to the borate ion, the salts of which are not readily soluble in water,
and which may be incompletely precipitated as the metaborate in any or all of the first four groups
of anions. However, the borate ion is sufficiently soluble to pass through the anion scheme and be
identified as a member of Group V anions.
No separation is necessary for the analysis of this group. The confirmatory tests for the
four anions are made upon separate portions of the solution containing these ions.
Objectives
The experiment aims to:
• Identification and Separation of Group V Anions
• Identification of Chlorate
• Identification of Borate
• Identification of Nitrite
• Identification of Nitrate
Materials And Apparatus
• Vials
• Graduated cylinder
• Stirring rod
• Pipette
• Centrifuge
• Evaporating dish
• Bunsen burner
• Tripod
• Wire gauze
• Spot plate
Procedure
1st Procedure: Identification of Group V Anions
Centrifugate from Procedure 12 may contain B4 O72− , NO2− , NO3− and ClO3− ions. Divide
into four equal portions and test as follows.
First portion: Add 5 drops of concentrated HNO3 and 2 drops of 0.5 F AgNO3 and allow
mixture to stand for 2 min. Centrifuge and discard any precipitate which may have formed. To
clear centrifugate add a few small crystals of NaNO2 and stir. Formation of white precipitate
confirms presence of CHLORATE ION.
Second portion: Place in a casserole and add 5 drops of concentrated H2 SO4 . Evaporate
to almost dryness. Let casserole cool. Add 3 drops of carminic acid and warm slightly. Change of
red color to bluish-violet confirms presence of BORATE ION.
Third portion: To this portion contained in a test tube, add an equal volume of urea in HCl
solution. Vigorous evolution of a gas indicates presence of NITRITE ION.
Fourth portion: Make two tests for nitrate ion as follows:
Test One: To 1 drop of this portion in a spot plate depression add 2 drops of concentrated
H2 SO4 and 1 drop of α-naphthylamine. Allow test to stand for 3 min. Appearance of a purple ring
around the drop of reagent indicates presence of NITRATE ION.
Test Two: Place a small crystal of ferrous sulfate in a depression of a spot plate. Add 1
drop of the solution to be tested 1 drop of concentrated H2 SO4 . Formation of a brown ring around
the crystal indicates presence of NITRATE ION.
Results And Discussions
All ions in this group – including chlorate, borate, nitrite, and nitrate, were separated and
identified successfully as we finished the experiment.
For the identification of chlorate – small crystals of NaNO2 were added to the mixture,
stirred, and a white precipitate scatter and circulate to the whole mixture because of the reaction
(Figure 1). The precipitate confirms its identification.
For the identification of borate – 3 drops of carminic acid were added in the mixture and
then heated. After few minutes, the solution color turn from reddish-violet (Figure 2) to bluish-
violet (Figure 3) which confirm its presence.
For the identification of nitrite – an equal volume of urea was added in the solution. It
quickly reacts, fizzles, and create a plenty of small bubbles (Figure 4) which confirms its presence.
For the identification of nitrate, we created 2 test as indicated. For test 1 – we prepared 4
samples on the spot plate. 2 drops of concentrated H2 SO4 and 1 drop of α-naphthylamine was
added to each sample spot. A purple fluid appeared in the middle (Figure 5) but it took a while to
appear a purple ring to one of the samples (Figure 6). For test 2 – we also prepared 4 samples on
the spot plate. 1 drop of the solution to be tested 1 drop of concentrated H2 SO4 was added to each
sample spot. A greenish-brown fluid appeared in the middle but it took longer that the first test to
appear a brown ring to one of the samples (Figure 7). All tests were an indication of the ion.
Conclusion
We therefore conclude that all ions in the Group V anions – namely chlorate, borate, nitrite,
and nitrate were successfully separated and identified at the end of the experiment. All objectives
and procedures were completed. All members in this group cooperated to finish the whole
experiment.
Appendices
Figure 1: Identification of chlorate Figure 2: Identification of borate (initial)
Figure 2: Identification of borate (final) Figure 4: Identification of nitrite
Figure 5: Identification of nitrate (test 1 Figure 6: Identification of nitrate (test 1
initial) final)
Figure 2: Identification of nitrate (test 2)
