LAB REPORT 01
IDENTIFICATION OF INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Introduction:
The identification of simple ionic compounds involves determining the constituent cation and
anion of a given compound. This process relies on fundamental concepts of acid-base
chemistry, redox reactions, and solubility principles. Unlike mixtures, simple ionic
compounds consist of a single cation-anion pair, making their identification more
straightforward. Such qualitative analysis is essential in analytical chemistry to classify unknown
substances, confirm compound purity, and ensure accuracy in chemical applications.
In this experiment, systematic tests will be employed to observe characteristic reactions, color
changes, precipitate formation, and redox behaviors, enabling the accurate identification of the
ionic components. By applying a series of selective reagents, the solubility and reactivity of the
compound will be evaluated, guiding the deduction of its cation and anion.
Principle:
The identification of simple ionic compounds is primarily based on the selective reactivity of
cations and anions with specific reagents. The principle encompasses:
• Acid-Base Chemistry: The reactivity of ions in acidic or basic media, including the
release of gases like CO₂ from carbonates or H₂S from sulfides.
• Redox Reactions: Detection of redox-active ions, such as iron(II) and iron(III), through
colorimetric changes or precipitation reactions.
• Solubility Rules: Application of solubility principles to identify precipitates formed by
insoluble salts. For example, the addition of silver nitrate to a chloride ion results in a
white precipitate of silver chloride.
• Confirmatory Tests: Specific reactions unique to certain ions, such as the flame test for
alkali metals or the ammonia test for copper(II) ions.
Systematic Identification of Ions
1. Observation of Solid Color
The color of a solid compound can provide initial clues about its identity. For example,
anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride (CoCl₂) appears blue, while its hydrated form (CoCl₂·6H₂O) is red.
A reference table lists the typical colors of common substances used in this procedure.
2. Solubility in Water and Solution Color
Testing solubility in water is an essential step in identification. If a substance dissolves, the color
of the resulting solution should be noted. However, solubility and color alone are not sufficient
to confirm the presence of a specific ion, as different compounds may share similar
characteristics.
3. Specific Tests for Cations and Anions
To accurately identify an ion, specific chemical reactions must be conducted. These reactions
help confirm the presence of particular cations and anions beyond general observations of color
and solubility. This systematic approach ensures that compounds are correctly identified,
considering both visual and chemical testing methods.
Systematic Identification of the Unknown Compound
Physical Examination
Observation: The unknown compound was a blue, crystalline solid.
Inference: When we observe it, we identify that it could be copper hydroxide, copper nitrate, or
copper sulfate.
Observation of colour
• Colour blue
Figure 1 colour of copper salt
➢ Cation indentification
Flame test
A small amount of salt was taken on a glass rod, then heated. Upon heating, a greenish color
appeared in the flame.
Why glass rod is used?
A glass rod is used in the flame test because it is chemically inert, prevents contamination, and
does not interfere with the flame color like metal wires might.
Solubility
H20 + salt →Cu+2
• Chloride and nitrate are more stable anion
• Sulphate is not a highly soluble anion.
Final observation
In the table, we check which compound has a blue color. When we observe it, we identify that it
could be copper hydroxide, copper nitrate, or copper sulfate. Now, to determine which specific
copper compound it is, we will perform an anion test. From physical properties its predicted that
it is copper
Figure 2 falme test of copper
Specific test for anions
Introduction to Anion Tests
What Are Anions?
Anions are negatively charged ions formed when atoms gain electrons. They play a significant
role in chemical reactions, biological processes, and environmental chemistry. Identifying anions
in an unknown sample is crucial in qualitative analysis.
Purpose of Anion Tests
Anion tests help detect the presence of specific anions in a sample by using different reagents
that produce characteristic color changes, gas evolution, or precipitate formation.
Types of Anions Tested
The commonly tested anions are:
• Carbonates (CO32-)– Detected by the release of carbon dioxide gas upon reaction with
acids.
• Halides (Cl-,Br-,I-)– Identified using silver nitrate, forming different colored precipitates.
• Sulfates (SO42-)– Recognized by the formation of a white precipitate with barium
chloride.
• Nitrates ( NO3-)– Confirmed by reduction reactions that produce nitrogen dioxide gas.
Importance of Anion Testing
Anion testing is widely used in:
• Laboratory Analysis – Identifying unknown chemical compounds.
• Environmental Science– Testing water quality for harmful anions.
• Forensic Science – Analyzing substances in criminal investigations.
If none of these tests confirm the presence of an anion, the sample is assumed to contain either
oxide (O 2- ) or hydroxide ( OH - ) ions. The anion test is an essential analytical method in
laboratories, environmental studies, and forensic investigations.
Test for Nitrates
Introduction
The test for nitrate ions (NO3-) is based on their ability to undergo reduction in an acidic
medium. When an unknown sample is mixed with copper turnings and sulfuric acid and gently
heated, nitrate ions are reduced to nitrogen dioxide
(NO 2) a brown and acrid gas. Additionally, the formation of blue-colored
(Cu 2+) ions in the solution confirms the presence of nitrate ions. This reaction is a redox process
where copper is oxidized, and nitrate is reduced.
Chemicals Required
Sulfuric acid ( H2SO4 , 18M) – Provides an acidic medium for the reaction.
Copper turnings(Cu)– Acts as the reducing agent.
Water – Used to moisten the sample.
Unknown sample – May contain nitrate ions.
Apparatus Required
• Test tube
• Dropper
• Bunsen burner or heating source
• Glass rod
Procedure
1. A small amount of the unknown solid sample was placed in a clean test tube.
2. A few copper turnings were added to the test tube.
3. The sample was moistened with a small amount of water.
4. Concentrated sulfuric acid (H 2SO 4 ) was carefully added to the test tube.
5. The mixture was gently heated over a Bunsen burner.
6. The evolution of brown gas and the appearance of a blue solution were observed.
Reaction
The chemical reaction involved in the test is:
Result & Observations
• Brown Gas: The formation of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) which is brown and has an acrid
smell, indicates the reduction of nitrate ions.
• Blue Solution: The presence of blue-colored (Cu +2 ) ions in the solution confirms the
oxidation of copper, further supporting the presence of nitrate ions.
-Conclusion: If both the brown gas and blue color appeared, the sample contained nitrate ions. If
not, nitrates were absent in the sample.
