Scheme of Qualitative Inorganic Salt Analysis

To detect one cation and one anion present in the given sample of inorganic salt

The salt analysis may be systematically carried out in the following four steps:

i) Preliminary examination of the salt

ii) Detection of anion (preliminary identification and confirmation)
iii) Group identification of cation
iv) Detection of cation (preliminary identification and confirmation)

1. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF THE SALT

Experiment Observation Inference
1. Colour of the salt (a) White Colour (colourless) Pb , Al , Zn2+,Ca2+, Ba2+, Sr2+,
2+ 3+

Mg2+ or NH4+ may be present.

(b) Bluish or bluish green colour Cu2+ or Ni2+ may be present.
(c) Light green Fe2+ may be present.
(d) brown colour Fe3+ may be present.
(e) Flesh colour (Light pink) Mn2+ may be present.
(f) Green Ni2+ may be present
(g) Pink Co2+ may be present
2. Odour (a) Smell of ammonia gas NH4+ may be present
(b) Smell of rotten egg S2— may be present
(c) Smell of vinegar CH3COO— may be present
3. Flame Test:

Prepare a paste of the salt with one (a) Deep blue green Cu2+ may be present

or two drops of conc. HCl on a Ca2+ may be present

(b) Brick red (light red)
watch glass. Take the paste on the Ba2+ may be present
(c) Apple green
glass rod and show it in the burner’s
(d) Crimson (deep red) Sr2+ may be present
non-luminous flame and observe
the colour.
 4. Ash test: (a) A blue ash is obtained Al3+ may be present
To a little of salt solution few drops (b) A green ash is obtained Zn2+ may be present
of conc. nitric acid and cobalt nitrate (c) A pink ash is obtained Mg2+ may be present
solutions are added and heated. A It is due to formation of
filter paper is soaked in this hot double oxide of cobalt and
solution and it is burnt in blue metal ion
flame.

2. PRELIMINARY TESTS FOR ANIONS

GROUP-I ANIONS: Dil.H2SO4 TEST: (for CO32—, S2— and CH3COO—)

Experiment Observation Inference

2—
Take a pinch of salt in Brisk effervescence with evolution of Carbonate CO indicated
3
2— +
a test tube, add few colourless and odourless gas which CO3 + 2H → CO2 + H2O
drops of dil H2SO4 . turns lime water milky

If there is no brisk (a) Colourless gas with rotten egg smell Sulphide S2— indicated
effervescence, heat which turns lead acetate paper black S2— + 2H+ → H2S
the soln Pb(CH3COO)2 + S2— → PbS + 2CH3COO-
(b) Vinegar like smell
Acetate CH3COO— indicated
CH3COO— + 2H+ → CH3COOH

GROUP-II ANIONS: Conc. H2SO4 (for Cl—, Br—, I— and NO3— )

Experiment Observation Inference

(a)Colourless gas with pungent smell, Presence of Cl—indicated.

Take a pinch of salt in a gives dense white fumes when a glass 2Cl— + H2SO4 🡪 SO42— + 2HCl

test tube, add few drops of rod dipped in NH4OH is brought near HCl +NH4OH 🡪NH4Cl + H2O

conc. H2SO4 and heat. the mouth of test tube

(b)Evolution of reddish brown vapors Presence of Br— indicated.

with pungent smell along with reddish 2Br— + H2SO4 🡪 2HBr + SO4 2—
brown solution 2HBr + H2SO4 🡪2H2O + SO2 + Br2

(c)Violet vapors, turn starch soln/paper Presence of I— indicated

black. 2I— + 2H2SO4 🡪 2HI + SO42—
2HI + H2SO4 🡪2H2O+ SO2 +I2
 Presence of NO3 —indicated.
(d) Brown fumes with pungent smell
2NO3— + H2SO4 🡪 SO42— + 2HNO3
which intensify on adding a paper ball
4HNO3🡪4NO2 + O2 + H2O
or Cu turnings.
4HNO3 + Cu 🡪 Cu(NO3)2 + 2H2O+2NO2

GROUP-III ANIONS: Independent ions (SO42— and PO43—)

Experiment Observation Inference
Test for SO42—:
(a) Boil a pinch of salt with Confirms the presence of SO42—
White ppt insoluble in conc HCI
Ba2+ + SO42—→ BaSO4
small amount of dil HCI and add
BaCI2 solution
Test for PO43—:
(a) salt soln + conc HNO3 + Confirms the presence of PO43—.
An yellow ppt
(NH4)2.MoO4 (ammonium Pdt: ammonium phospho
molybdate. (NH4)3PO4.12MoO3.H2O
molybdate)

3. CONFIRMATORY TESTS FOR ANIONS

Experiment Observation Inference

1.Confirmatory tests for CO32— :
(a) LEAD ACETATE TEST: To the salt soln
add lead acetate soln.
To the above ppt add conc HCl
(b) MAGNESIUM SULPHATE TEST:
To the salt soln add magnesium
sulphate soln and heat.
A white ppt is formed
The white ppt dissolves with
effervescence
A white ppt is formed which
dissolves on adding conc HCl
Presence of CO32— confirmed
CO32— + Pb(CH3COO)2 → PbCO3 +
Pb2+
Presence of CO32— confirmed
CO32— + 2H+ → CO2 + H2O
Presence of CO32— confirmed
CO32— + Mg2+ → MgCO3
MgCO3 + HCl → MgCl2 + CO2 + H2O

2. Confirmatory tests for S2— :

(a) LEAD ACETATE TEST: Show a lead Lead acetate paper turns black Presence of S2— confirmed
acetate paper (or a filter paper dipped Pb2+ + S2— → PbS

in lead acetate soln) at the mouth of

the test tube
(b) SODIUM NITROPRUSSIDE TEST:
To the salt add sodium carbonate and
sodium nitroprusside soln
3. Confirmatory test for CH3COO—:
(a) NEUTRAL FERRIC CHLORIDE TEST:
To a little of the salt soln add neutral
ferric chloride soln
(b)ESTERIFICATION: To the salt soln add
1 ml conc sulphuric acid with 2-3 ml of
ethanol. Heat the contents and pour
the hot contents to a beaker containing
water
4. Confirmatory test for NO3—ion :
BROWN RING TEST: Transfer few drops
of salt solution into a test tube and add
few drops of freshly prepared FeSO4
solution. Add drops of conc H2SO4
slowly from the side of the well .
5. Confirmatory test for halide
ions (Cl—, Br—and I—):
(a)SILVER NITRATE TEST: Transfer 3—4
drops of the salt soln in a test tube and
add a few drops of dil HNO3 . Warm the
soln and add few drops of silver nitrate
solution .
(b) MnO2 TEST: Take a pinch of salt in a
test tube, add few drops of conc. H2SO4
A violet coloured soln is
obtained
Deep red colouration which
changes to reddish brown ppt
Fruity/ pleasant smell
a brown ring at the junction of
the liquids
(a)White curdy ppt soluble in
NH4OH solution
(b) Light yellow ppt partially
soluble in NH4OH solution
(c) Yellow ppt insoluble in
NH4OH solution
(a) Greenish yellow gas
(b) Reddish brown gas
Presence of S2— confirmed
S2— + [Fe(CN)5NO]2— →
[Fe(CN)5NOS]4—
Presence of CH3COO— confirmed
Fe3+ + CH3COO— →
(CH3COO)Fe(OH)2
Basic ferric acetate
Presence of CH3COO— confirmed
CH3COO— + H+ → CH3COOH
CH3COOH + C2H5OH → CH3COO2H5
+ H2O
confirms the presence of NO3—.
NO3— + 2H2SO4 + 3Fe2+ → 3Fe3+ +
NO + 2SO42— + 2H2O
Fe2+ + NO → [Fe(NO)(H2O)5]SO4
(nitrosyl ferrous sulphate)
confirms the presence of Cl—
Ag+ + CI— → AgCI
confirms the presence of Br—
Ag+ + Br— → AgBr
confirms the presence of l—
Ag+ + I— → AgI
Presence of Cl— confirmed
Presence of Br— confirmed
Presence of l— confirmed
X— + H2SO4 → HX + SO42—
4HX + MnO2 + H2SO4 → X2 + MnSO4
& MnO2 and heat. (c) Violet vapours + 2H2O (X= Cl—, Br—, or I—)

Presence of Br— confirmed

Br— + Cl2 → Br2 + 2Cl—
Presence of I— confirmed
7. Confirmatory for Br— and I—: (a)An orange-red globule is I— + Cl2 → I2 + 2Cl—
Aqueous solutions of salt + two drops of obtained
(b) Violet layer is formed at the
CCl4 + 1ml chlorine water and shake bottom Confirms the presence of SO42—
well. K2SO4+Pb(CH3COO)2 🡪 PbSO4 +
2CH3COOK
A white precipitate is formed PbSO4 + H2SO4 🡪 Pb(HSO4)2
8. Confirmatory test for SO4 2—
: which is readily soluble in hot
To the salt soln add lead acetate soln concentrated ammonium
acetate or conc.H2SO4
 IDENTIFICATION OF BASIC RADICALS

GROUP IDENTIFICATION OF CATIONS:

All cations may be divided into seven groups depending upon the difference in solubility of their chlorides,
sulphides, hydroxides, carbonates under different conditions of acidity and alkalinity. The reagent used to test
the presence of a group is known as a group reagent.

Experiment Observation Inference

ZERO GROUP: To a small amount of the Smell of ammonia Presence of group zero cation
Salt soln, sodium hydroxide solution is (NH4+)
added and heated

I GROUP : To a little of the original A white ppt is formed Presence of group I cation
solution dil. HCI is added. (Pb2+)

II GROUP: To a little of the original A black ppt is formed Presence of group II cation
solution dil. HCI and sodium sulphide (Cu2+)
soln or yellow Ammonium sulphide soln
are added or hydrogen sulphide gas is
passed through the soln.

III GROUP: To a little of the original Presence of group III cation

solution add a pinch of solid ammonium (a) A white gelatinous ppt Presence of Al3+
chloride and ammonium hydroxide (till (b) Light green ppt Presence of Fe2+
smell of ammonia) are added. (c) Brown ppt Presence of Fe3+

IV GROUP: To a little of the original

solution add a pinch of solid ammonium Presence of group IV cation
chloride, ammonium hydroxide and (a) A white ppt Presence of Zn2+
sodium sulphide soln or yellow (b) A black ppt Presence of Ni2+ or Co2+
ammonium sulphide solution are added
(or H2S gas is passed )

V GROUP: To a little of the original Presence of group V cations

solution add a pinch of solid ammonium A white ppt (Ba2+, Sr2+ or Ca2+)
chloride, ammonium hydroxide and
ammonium carbonate are added

VI GROUP: To a little of the original Presence of group VI cation

solution add a pinch of solid ammonium A white ppt (Mg2+)
chloride, ammonium hydroxide and
disodium hydrogen phosphate solution
are added

ANALYSIS OF GROUP ZERO GROUP CATION

Experiment Observation Inference

+
TESTS FOR NH ION:
4
1. To a little of the salt solution A colourless gas giving dense white Presence of ammonium
sodium hydroxide solution is added fumes with a rod dipped in con. NH4+ + OH-→ NH3 + H2O
and heated HCI is evolved.

2. NESSLER’S TEST: To the mouth of Filter paper strip with Nessler’s Presence of ammonium
the above test tube a filter paper reagent turns brown/ moist red is confirmed
soaked in Nessler’s reagent/ moist red litmus paper turns blue
litmus paper is shown

ANALYSIS OF GROUP I CATION

Experiment Observation Inference

TESTS FOR Pb2+ ION:
1. POTASSIUM CHROMATE TEST: Yellow precipitate is obtained Presence of Pb2+ confirmed
To a little of the salt solution Pb2+ + K2CrO4 → PbCrO4 + 2K+
potassium chromate solution is
added

2. POTASSIUM IODIDE TEST: To a little Yellow precipitate is obtained Presence of Pb2+ confirmed
of the salt solution potassium iodide Pb2+ + 2KI → PbI2 + 2K+
solution is added.

3. The above yellow precipitate is Golden yellow spangles are Presence of Pb2+ confirmed
Heated to dissolve the ppt and cooled obtained
under the tap

ANALYSIS OF GROUP II CATIONS

Experiment Observation Inference

TESTS FOR Cu2+ ION:
1.AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE TEST: pale blue precipitate is Presence of Cu2+ ion
To a little of the salt solution obtained Cu2+ + 2OH- →Cu(OH)2
ammonium hydroxide solution is
added drop by drop

2 .To the pale blue precipitate add the blue precipitate dissolves Confirms the presence of Cu2+
ion
 excess of ammonium hydroxide in excess to form a deep blue Cu2+ + NH4OH— →[Cu(NH3)4]OH
solution

3. POTTASSIUM FERROCYANIDE Cu2+ ion is confirmed

TEST: To a little of the salt solution A chocolate brown precipitate 2 Cu2+ + K4[Fe(CN)6] →
Potassium ferrocyanide solution is is obtained Cu2[Fe(CN)6] + 4 K+
added

ANALYSIS OF GROUP III CATIONS

Experiment Observation Inference

TESTS FOR Al3+:
1. SODIUM HYDROXIDE TEST: To a little White gelatinous ppt insoluble Al3+ confirmed
of the salt soln add NaOH in drops and in excess of reagent Al3+ + OH—→Al(OH)3
then in excess

2. Lake Test: To the salt solution add few blue ppt. floating in colourless Al3+ confirmed
drops of blue litmus solution then acidify solution Al3+ + 3NH4OH →Al(OH)3 + 3NH4Cl
with dil. HCl. Then add NH4OH and allow
to stand

TESTS FOR Fe3+:

1.POTASSIUM FERROCYANIDE TEST: To a Fe3+ confirmed.
little of salt soln add drops of potassium Prussian blue colour Fe3+ +[Fe(CN)6]4- →Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3
ferrocyanide solution.

2. POTASSIUM THIOCYANATE TEST: To a Fe3+ confirmed.

little of salt soln add 1 drop of KSCN Blood red colour Fe3+ + 3KSCN →Fe(SCN)3 + 3K+
(potassium thiocyanate) /NH4CNS
(ammonium thiocyanate)

3. POT PERMANGANATE TEST: To a little Violet colour of pot Fe3+ confirmed.

of salt soln add acidified pot. permanganate doesn’t
permanganate soln dropwise disappear

TESTS FOR Fe2+:

1. To a little of salt soln add drops of
Prussian blue colour Fe2+ confirmed
potassium ferricyanide solution.
Fe2+ +[Fe(CN)6]3- →Fe3[Fe(CN)6]2
2. To a little of salt soln add NaOH in
green precipitate, turning Fe2+ present
excess
dark on standing: Fe2+ + 2NaOH →Fe(OH)2 + 2Na+
 ANALYSIS OF GROUP IV CATIONS

Experiment Observation Inference

TESTS FOR Zn2+:
1. SODIUM HYDROXIDE TEST: To a A white precipitate soluble in Presence of Zn2+ ion
little of the salt solution sodium excess of sodium hydroxide is Zn2+ + OH— → Zn(OH)2
hydroxide is added drop by drop to Obtained
excess.

2. POT. FERROCYANIDE TEST: To a Presence of Zn2+ ion confirmed

A white precipitate is 2 Zn2+ + K4[Fe(CN)6] → Zn2[Fe(CN)6]
little of the salt solution Potassium
obtained + 4 K+
ferrocyanide solution is added.

TESTS FOR Ni2+:

1. DMG TEST: To little of salt soln
Confirms the presence of Ni2+
add NH4OH and few drops of Pink ppt It is due to formation of Ni-DMG
dimethyl glyoxime solution
complex.
2. SOD HYDROXIDE TEST: To a few
drops of salt soln add NaOH drop A green ppt is formed Confirms the presence of Ni2+
wise
Ni2+ + OH— → Ni(OH)2
TESTS FOR Mn2+:
1. SODIUM HYDROXIDE TEST: To a
few drops of salt soln add NaOH White ppt turns brown on confirms the presence of Mn2+
drop wise adding excess NaOH Mn2+ + OH— → Mn(OH)2

2. PERMANGANIC ACID TEST: To

the salt soln add conc HNO3,
add PbO2 to the soln., heat, allow Purple soln. presence of Mn2+ confirmed
to settle. It is due to formation of HMnO3.

TESTS FOR Co2+:

1. To salt soln add NaOH in excess
2. To 2 drops of salt soln in a test
tube and add 2 drops of NH4SCN
and amyl alcohol/ether
blue precipitate, turning pink
if excess NaOH is added
amyl alcohol/ether layer turns
blue
confirms the presence of Co2+
Co2+ + OH— → Co(OH)2
confirms the presence of Co2+
Co2+ + NH4SCN → (NH4)2[Co(CNS)4]
 ANALYSIS OF GROUP V CATIONS

Experiment Observation Inference

TESTS FOR Ba2+ :
1.POTASSIUM CHROMATE TEST:
Yellow ppt Presence of Ba2+ confirmed
Transfer 2 drops of solution to a well and
add 2 drops of potassium chromate
solution
White ppt soluble in acetic Presence of Ba2+ confirmed
2. AMMONIUM CARBONATE TEST: To a acid Ba2+ + CO32— →BaCO3
little of salt soln, add amm carbonate
soln.
White ppt Presence of Ba2+ confirmed
3. AMMONIUM SULPHATE TEST: To a Ba2+ + SO42— →BaSO4
part of the solution add 2 drops of
ammonium sulphate / calcium sulphate
solution in a test tube and warm
Yellow ppt soluble in acetic Presence of Sr2+ confirmed
TESTS FOR Sr2+:
acid Sr2+ + Cr2O42— →SrCr2O4
1.POT. CHROMATE TEST: To a little of
salt soln, add pot chromate soln. White ppt Presence of Sr2+ confirmed
2. AMMONIUM SULPHATE TEST: To a Sr2+ + SO42— →SrSO4
part of the solution add 2 drops of
ammonium sulphate / calcium sulphate White ppt
solution in a test tube and warm Presence of Sr2+ confirmed
Sr2+ + CO32— →SrCO3
3. AMMONIUM CARBONATE TEST: To a
little of salt soln, add amm carbonate
soln. No ppt
Presence of Ca2+ confirmed
2+
TESTS FO Ca : Ca2+ + Cr2O72— →CaCr2O7
1.POT CHROMATE TEST: To a little of salt
soln add few ml of potassium chromate White ppt
soln. Presence of Ca2+ confirmed
2. AMMONIUM OXALATE TEST: To a part Ca2+ + C2O42— →CaC2O4
of solution, add 2 drops of ammonium
oxalate solution in a test tube. Add a few
drops of NH4OH and scratch the side of white precipitate
 test tube.

3. POT. FERROCYANIDE TEST: Add a little Presence of Ca2+ confirmed

NH4Cl and K4[Fe(CN)6] solution Ca2+ + [Fe(CN)6]4— →Ca2[Fe(CN)6]

ANALYSIS OF GROUP VI CATION

Experiment Observation Inference

TESTS FOR Mg2+:

Presence of Mg2+ confirmed
1. SODIUM HYDROXIDE TEST: Add
A white precipitate is formed Mg2+ + 2NaOH → Mg(OH)2 + 2Na+
Sodium Hydroxide solution drop by which is insoluble in excess
reagent
drop and then in excess to the
compound.

2. MAGNESON REAGENT TEST: Presence of Mg2+ confirmed

To few drops of salt solution, add 2
drops of magneson reagent
[ 4-(para-nitrophenylazo)resorcinol].
Then add NaOH solution dropwise.
A "blue lake" is formed It is due to formation of a
precipitate of Mg(OH)2 with
adsorbed magneson reagent

Presence of Mg2+ confirmed

3. DISODIUM HYDROGEN Mg2+ + NH4+ + HPO42— → MgNH4PO4 +
H+
PHOSPHATE: Transfer 6—7 drops of A white ppt is formed
salt soln in a test—tube, add a pinch
of solid NH4CI, shake and add NH4OH
in slight excess. Add a few drops of
disodium hydrogen phosphate (or
ammonium hydrogen phosphate
solution or ammonium phosphate)
and scratch the inner side of the test
tube with a glass rod.

Result: The given salt contains ………………………. as anion and ………………………. as cation.