Qualitative Analysis of

Inorganic Salt
Class XI and XII
Chemistry Practical
Preliminary test for Anions
• Qualitative analysis of inorganic salt involves the detection or identification of cation
and anion present in a salt.
• Salts:- obtained by neutralization of an acid and a base.
• Positive part of the salt, cation, is contributed by a base
• Negative part of the salt, anion, is contributed by an acid.
• Cation: Basic radical; Anion: Acidic radical
Salt Cation Base from which cation Anion Acid from which
contributed anion contributed
NaCl NaOH HCl
Cu
Analysis of Anions( Acidic radicals):- Classified in 3 Groups
1. Dilute group:-
2. Concentrated group:-
3. Independent group:-
• Based on the fact that when salt treated with dilute or conc. Sulphuric acid ,
characteristic gas or vapour is produced by a particular anion , which can be identified
then that anion is confirmed by confirmatory tests.
• These are Preliminary test.
• Salts containing reacts neither with dil. nor with conc. . Therefore , these are
identified by individual tests.
 Preliminary test with dil.
• Take some salt in a test tube and add 1–2 mL of dilute sulphuric acid.
• Observe the change, if any, at room temperature.
• If no gas is evolved, warm the content of the test tube.
• If gas is evolved, identify the gas evolved.

Wafting:-In chemistry, it is a term of laboratory

safety. In "wafting" a person takes an open hand
with the palm towards the body and moves their arm
in a rapid circular manner over the substance so as
to lift vapors of the substance towards the nose.
 Observations of Preliminary test with dilute
S. No. Observation Gas evolved Possible acidic radicals

1 Brisk effervescence with the evolution of (Carbonate ion)

colourless and odourless gas

2 Evolution of colourless gas with the smell of (Sulphide ion)

rotten eggs

3 Brown fumes are evolved (Nitrite ion)

4 Colourless gas with pungent smell of burning (Sulphite ion)

sulphur

5 Evolution of colourless vapours with smell of (Acetate ion)

vinegar vapours
 Preliminary test with concentrated
• If no positive result is obtained from dil.
• Take some salt in a test tube and add 3-4 drops of conc. sulphuric acid.
• Observe the change, if any, at room temperature.
• If no gas is evolved, then warm the content of the test tube.
• If gas is evolved, identify the gas evolved.
 Observations of Preliminary test with conc.
S. No. Observation Gas evolved Possible acidic radicals

1 Evolution of Colourless, pungent smelling gas (Chloride ion)

2 Evolution of reddish brown fumes with pungent vapours (Bromide ion)

odour. Intensity of fumes does not increase by
the addition of bits of paper.

3 Evolution of violet pungent vapours. vapours (Iodide ion)

4 Evolution of brown pungent fumes which gets (Nitrate ion)

intensified by the addition of bits of paper.

5 Colourless and odourless gas is evolved (Oxalate ion)

• If no positive test is obtained with dilute and conc. ,then tests for the
presence of sulphate and phosphate ions are performed.
Qualitative Analysis of
Inorganic Salt
Class XI and XII
Chemistry Practical
Confirmatory tests for Prepared by:-
Anions Vijay Kumar Sethi
• Confirmatory (wet) tests for anions are performed by using water extract
when salt is soluble in water and by using sodium carbonate extract
when salt is insoluble in water.

So we use
water extract
only

• Water extract is made by dissolving salt in distilled water.

• This is also called Original solution of salt. (OS)
 Carbonate ion,
S. No. Procedure Observation Inference

1 Preliminary test Brisk effervescence with the evolution may be present

Salt + dil of colourless and odourless gas
Confirmatory tests

1. Pass above gas in to lime Lime water turns milky (. This milkiness is confirmed
water disappears when above gas is passed
in excess.
2. OS + solution White ppt ( is confirmed

3. OS + AgN Solution White ppt ( is confirmed

 Sulphide ion,
S. No. Procedure Observation Inference

1 Preliminary test Colourless gas with the smell of rotten may be present
Salt + dil , warm eggs evolved (
Confirmatory tests

1. OS + (To make solution Violet or purple colouration is obtained is confirmed

alkaline) + Few drops of
sodium nitroprusside
solution
2. OS + dil , warm + Lead Black ppt ( is confirmed
acetate solution
 Nitrite ion,
S. No. Procedure Observation Inference

1 Preliminary test Brown fumes are evolved( may be present

Salt + dil , warm
Confirmatory tests

1. OS + KI solution + Starch Blue colours appears. is confirmed

solution + Acetic acid( to
acidify the solution)
2. OS + AgN Solution White ppt ( is confirmed

3. OS + dil. Acetic acid + Dark brown or black ppt is confirmed

Solution
 Sulphite ion,
S. No. Procedure Observation Inference

1 Preliminary test Colourless gas with pungent smell of may be present

Salt + dil , warm burning sulphur(
Confirmatory tests

1. Pass above gas to acidified with acidified solution turns green ( is confirmed
solution
2. OS + solution White ppt () which is soluble in dil. HCl ( is confirmed
due to formation of )
3. Whit ppt formed above + solution decolourize is confirmed
acidified with + solution
 Acetate ion,
S. No. Procedure Observation Inference

1 Preliminary test Colourless vapours with smell of may be present

Salt + dil , warm vinegar
Confirmatory tests

1. Salt in China dish + ethanol Fruity odour is confirmed

+ conc. , heat
2. OS + Neutral solution Deep red colour appears which is confirmed
disappears on boiling and a brown-
red precipitate is formed.
Preparation of neutral :-Add dilute NaOH solution to ferric chloride solution drop by drop with shaking until a
small but permanent precipitate of ferric hydroxide is obtained. Filter the precipitate and use the filtrate for
analysis.
 Chloride ion,
S. Procedure Observation Inference
No.
1 Preliminary test A colourless gas with pungent smell, () may be present
Salt + conc. , warm
Confirmatory tests

1. OS + solution A curdy white ppt (AgCl) soluble in is confirmed

2. Chromyl chloride Test:- is confirmed

(a)Salt + Solid + conc., warm
(b) Pass the red vapours in NaOH solution
(c) Add dil. to yellow solution + lead acetate
solution
3. Salt + + 3-4 drops of conc. , heat
Red vapours are formed ()
Yellow solution is obtained ()
Yellow ppt (Lead chromate)
Yellowish-green pungent gas () is confirmed
 Bromide ion
S. No. Procedure Observation Inference

1 Preliminary test Reddish brown fumes with a pungent may be present

Salt + conc. , warm odour
Confirmatory tests

1. OS + solution Pale yellow ppt (AgBr) partially is confirmed

soluble in
2. Salt + + 3-4 drops of conc. , heat Intense brown fumes () is confirmed

3. OS + + excess of chlorine water A brown colouration in the organic is confirmed

dropwise and shake the test tube. layer (due to liberation of )
 Iodide ion
S. No. Procedure Observation Inference
1 Preliminary test Violet pungent vapours () may be present
Salt + conc. , warm
Confirmatory tests

1. OS + solution Yellow ppt (AgI) insoluble in is confirmed

2. Salt + + 3-4 drops of conc. , heat Intense violet vapours() is confirmed

3. OS + + excess of chlorine water A violet colouration in the organic is confirmed

dropwise and shake the test tube. layer (due to liberation of )
4. OS + Lead acetate solution Yellow ppt () is confirmed
 N
S. No. Procedure Observation Inference
1 Preliminary test Brown pungent fumes () which may be present
Salt + conc. , warm intensify on addition of Cu
turnings or bits of paper
Confirmatory tests

1. Brown ring test:- A dark brown ring is formed at is confirmed

OS + Freshly prepared solution + the junction of the two solutions.
conc. along the
sides of the test tube without
shaking
 Oxalate ion

S. No. Procedure Observation Inference

1 Preliminary test Colourless and odourless gas is may be present
Salt + conc. , warm evolved ()
Confirmatory tests

1. OS + solution White ppt (Calcium oxalate) is confirmed

2. White ppt formed is dissolved in Pink colour of solution is is confirmed

dil. + dil. solution, warm discharged.
 • If no positive test is obtained with dilute and conc. ,then tests for the
presence of sulphate and phosphate ions are performed.

Confirmatory tests for sulphate ion

1. OS + Ba solution White ppt (Barium sulphate) is confirmed
2. OS + acetic acid( to acidify) + White ppt of lead sulphate is confirmed
Lead acetate solution
Confirmatory tests for phosphate ion
1. OS + conc. (to acidify) + A canary yellow ppt (Ammonium is confirmed
ammonium molybdate phosphomolybdate)
solution, boil.

2. OS + magnesia mixture, allow White ppt (magnesium is confirmed

to stand ammonium phosphate)

Magnesia mixture:- by adding to solution and boil the solution. Then , add till a strong
smell of ammonia is obtained.
Qualitative Analysis of Inorganic Salt
Class XI and XII Chemistry Practical

Preliminary Tests for the Identification of

Cations (Basic radicals)
Preliminary Examination of the Salt for
Identification of Cation
• Physical observation (Colour of the salt)
• Dry Heating Test
• Flame Test
• Borax Bead Test
• Charcoal Cavity Test
• Cobalt Nitrate Test
 Colour of the salt Inference
Blue
Bright green
Light green
Violet pink
Light pink
Yellow-brown
Dry Heating Test
• Take some of the dry salt in a clean and dry test tube.
• Heat the test tube first gently and then strongly.
• Observe the changes
Colour when cold Colour when hot Inference
Blue White
Green Dirty white or yellow
White Yellow
Pink Blue
Salt cracks ,

Colourless gas with ammoniacal smell Ammonium salts

Flame Test
The chlorides of several metals impart characteristic colour to the flame because they are volatile in
non-luminous flame. This test is performed with the help of a platinum wire as follows :
• Make a tiny loop at one end of a platinum wire.
• To clean the loop dip it into concentrated hydrochloric acid and hold it in a non-luminous flame.
• Repeat above step until the wire imparts no colour to the flame.
• Make a paste of the salt with 2-3 drops of conc. HCl on a clean watch glass .
• Dip the clean loop of the platinum wire in this paste and introduce the loop in the non-luminous
flame .
• Observe the colour of the flame with the naked eye .
Short cut to perform Flame Test:-
Moisten the glass rod with water. Livid
Roll this moistened glass rod in the given salt. blue- dull
Some salt stick to the glass rod. blue
Now, heat this glass rod over flame.
Borax Bead Test
This test is performed only for coloured salts because borax reacts with metal salts to form metal
borates or metals, which have characteristic colours.
• Make a loop at the end of the platinum wire and heat it in a flame till it is red hot.
• Dip the hot loop into borax powder and heat it again until borax forms a colourless transparent
glass like bead on the loop. If it is coloured this means that, the platinum wire is not clean. Then
make a fresh bead after cleaning the wire.
• Dip the hot bead in a small quantity of the dry salt and again hold it in the flame.
• Observe the colour imparted to the bead in the non - luminous flame as well as in the luminous
flame while it is hot and when it is cold .
• To remove the bead from the platinum wire, heat it to redness and tap the platinum wire with
your finger.
Charcoal Cavity Test
• Metallic carbonate when heated in a charcoal cavity decomposes to give corresponding
oxide.
• The oxide appears as a coloured residue in the cavity.
• Sometimes oxide may be reduced to metal by the carbon of the charcoal cavity.

The test may be performed as follows:

• Make a small cavity in a charcoal block with the
help of a charcoal borer.
• Do not apply pressure otherwise it will crack.
Continue…
Charcoal Cavity Test
• Mix the salt with anhydrous sodium carbonate
and place this mixture in the cavity.
• Moisten the mixture in the cavity with few
drops of water, otherwise the mixture will blow
away.
Note : • To obtain oxidising flame hold
• Use a blowpipe to heat the salt in a luminous
the nozzle of the blowpipe about one third
(reducing) flame and observe the colour of within the flame.
oxide/ metallic bead formed in the cavity both • To obtain reducing flame place nozzle of
when hot and cold. the blowpipe just outside the flame.
 Inference from the charcoal cavity test

Observations Inference

Yellow residue when hot and grey metal when cold

Red bead

Yellow residue when hot and white when cold

White residue with the odour of garlic

Black ppt ,

White residues which glows

Cobalt Nitrate Test
If the residue in the charcoal cavity is white, cobalt nitrate test is performed.
(i) Treat the residue with two or three drops of cobalt nitrate solution.
(ii) Heat it strongly in non-luminous flame with the help of a blow pipe and observe the
colour of the residue.

On heating, cobalt nitrate decomposes into cobalt

(II) oxide, which gives a characteristic colour with
metal oxide present in the cavity.
Thus, with ZnO, Al2O3 and MgO, the following
reactions occur.
Qualitative Analysis of Inorganic
Salt
Class XI and XII Chemistry
Practical
Wet or Confirmatory Tests for the
identification of Cations (Basic radicals)
 Cations are classified into 7 groups starting form Zero (0) to Six
(VI)
Group Cations
This classification is based on the solubility
Zero
product of the salt formed by the cation on
I
II addition of Group reagent

III For a solid in equilibrium with its saturated

IV solution at a given temperature, the product
V
of the concentrations of its ions is equal to
VI
its solubility product constant.

To get ppt of a salt:

product of the concentrations of its ions >
Group Reagent:-
• The reagent which is used in identifying a group of radicals(cations) is known as
group reagent.
• It is characterized by the formation of a precipitate during a positive test/result and
no precipitation in the event of a negative test.
Group Group Reagent Cations Composition of ppt Colour of ppt
Zero NaOH gas is evolved ----
I Dil. HCl White
II gas in the presence of dil. Black
HCl Black
Yellow
III in the presence of excess of Reddish-brown
solid White
gelatinous
IV gas in the presence of Black
Black
Bluish-white
Flesh colour
V in the presence of White
VI White

Flesh colour:- Skin colour , light brownish pink

 Analysis of Zero group cation ( ion)
Experiment Observation Inference

1. Salt + conc. NaOH solution, heat A pungent smell of ammonia cation may be present

2. Bring a glass rod dipped in HCl White dense fumes are confirmed
near the mouth of the above test tube. observed

3. Pass the gas through Nessler’s a brown colouration or a confirmed

reagent precipitate is formed
Chemistry of
Confirmatory Tests for
ion:-

Basic mercury(II)amido-iodine (brown)

• For the analysis of cations belonging to groups I-VI, the cations are precipitated from the
original solution by using the group reagents.
Preparation of Original Solution (O.S.)
• Take a little amount of the salt in a clean test tube and add a few mL of distilled water and
shake it.
• If the salt does not dissolved, heat the content of the boiling tube till the salt completely
dissolves.
* This flow chart is for the
detection of one cation only.
Analysis of Group-I cation ()
OS + dil HCl → white ppt, indicates the presence of ions
Chemistry of the Confirmatory Tests of ions
Analysis of Group–II cations ()
• If group-I is absent, add excess of water to the same test tube. Warm the solution and pass
H2S gas, If a precipitate appears, this indicates the presence of group-II cations.(Black ppt- ),
(Yellow ppt- )
• Group-II cations are further classified as Group II A and Group II B
Confirmatory tests for Group-II A cations
Experiment Observation Inference
Black ppt + dil Boil Black ppt
dissolves
Confirmatory test for
1. Above solution + few drops of ethanol + dil. White ppt confirmed
2. White ppt is dissolved in ammonium acetate solution +
acetic acid (for acidify). Divide the solution in two parts
(i) Part one + solution Yellow ppt confirmed
(ii) Part two + KI solution Yellow ppt confirmed

Confirmatory test for

1. Above solution + excess of solution Blue colouration confirmed
2. The Blue solution + acetic acid (for acidify) + potassium Chocolate brown confirmed
ferrocyanide [K4Fe(CN)6 ] solution precipitate
Chemistry of confirmatory tests of Group-II A cations
1. Test for Lead ion ()
 2. Test for Copper ion ()

• On heating the reaction mixture for long time, sulphur is oxidised to sulphate and copper
sulphate is formed and the solution turns blue.
• A small amount of NH4OH precipitates basic copper sulphate which is soluble in excess
of ammonium hydroxide due to the formation of tetraamminecopper (II) complex.(Deep
blue colour)
 Continue….2. Test for Copper ion ()

The blue solution on acidification with acetic acid and then adding potassium
ferrocyanide [K4Fe(CN)6 ] solution gives a chocolate colouration due to the formation of

copper ferrocyanide i.e.Cu2[Fe(CN)6].

Confirmatory tests for Group-II B cations

Experiment Observation Inference

Yellow ppt + Yellow ammonium sulphide solution yellow ppt may be
dissolves
Confirmatory test for
1. Above solution + dil. Yellow ppt confirmed
2. Heat the yellow ppt with conc.+ ammonium A canary Yellow confirmed
molybdate solution ppt
Chemistry of confirmatory tests of Group-II B cations
Analysis of Group–III cations ( -
• If group-II is absent, take O S + 2-3 drops of conc. HNO 3 (to oxidise ) , Heat, Cool + Solid
+ excess of . Shake the test tube.
• If a reddish brown ppt - presence of ferric ions ( ).
• If a gelatinous white precipitate - presence of aluminium ion ( ).
Confirmatory tests for Group-III cations
Experiment Observation Inference
Confirmatory test for
Dissolve the Brown ppt in dil. HCl and divide the solution
in two parts
1. First part + potassium ferrocyanide solution A blue ppt or colour confirmed
2. Second part + Potassium thiocyanate solution (KSCN)
A blood red colour confirmed
Chemistry of confirmatory tests of
 Continue…Confirmatory tests for Group-III
cations
Experiment Observation Inference
Confirmatory test for
Dissolve the white ppt in dil. HCl and divide the solution in
two parts
1. First part + NaOH solution, warm A white gelatinous confirmed
ppt soluble in
excess of NaOH

2. Lake test:- A blue floating

Second part + blue litmus solution + solution mass in colourless confirmed
drop by drop along the sides of the test tubes solution
 Chemistry of confirmatory tests of

• In the second part when blue litmus is added to the solution, a red colouration is obtained due to
the acidic nature of the solution.
• On addition of NH4OH solution drop by drop the solution becomes alkaline and aluminium
hydroxide is precipitated.
• Aluminium hydroxide adsorbs blue colour from the solution and forms insoluble adsorption
complex named ‘lake’. Thus a blue mass floating in the colourless solution is obtained.
• The test is therefore called lake test.
Analysis of Group–IV cations (
If group-III is absent, pass H2S gas in the solution of group-III. If a precipitate appears, this
indicates the presence of group-IV cations.
• If white ppt :-
• If Flesh coloured precipitate :-
• If black ppt : -
Experiment Observation Inference
Confirmatory test for
Dissolve the white ppt in dil. HCl by boiling. Divide the
solution in two parts
1. First part + NaOH solution A white ppt soluble confirmed
in excess of NaOH

2. Second part + solution(to neutralize) + Potassium A bluish-white ppt confirmed

ferrocyanide solution.

Chemistry of confirmatory tests of

Experiment Observation Inference
Confirmatory test for
Dissolve the Fleshed coloured ppt in dil. HCl by boiling .

Above solution+ NaOH solution A white ppt which confirmed

turns brown on
keeping

Chemistry of confirmatory tests of

turns brown due to atmospheric oxidation into hydrated manganese dioxide

Experiment Observation Inference

Confirmatory test for

Dissolve the black ppt in aqua regia. Heat the solution to
dryness and cool. Dissolve the residue in water and divide
the solution into two parts.
1. Part one + (to make alkaline) + DMG (Dimethyl
A bright red ppt confirmed
glyoxime), shake

Yellow ppt confirmed

2. Part two + (to neutralize) + (to acidify) + a crystal of
potassium nitrite
Chemistry of confirmatory tests of

Chemistry of confirmatory tests of

Analysis of Group–V cations (
If group-IV is absent, take OS + Solid , Boil, Cool + excess + Solid → if white ppt appears,
this indicates the presence of group-V cations.
Experiment Observation Inference
Confirmatory test for
Preserve the small amount of ppt for flame test.
Dissolve the remaining white ppt in dil. Acetic acid by
boiling and divide the solution in three parts
1. First part + Potassium chromate solution A yellow ppt confirmed
2. Second part + Ammonium sulphate solution, heat
and scratch the sides of the test tube with a glass rod A white ppt confirmed
and cool
3. Third part + Ammonium oxalate solution, shake A white ppt confirmed

Perform the flame test with the white ppt and observe the Grassy green flame confirmed
colour of the flame
Crimson red flame confirmed

Brick red flame confirmed

Chemistry of confirmatory tests of

Chemistry of confirmatory tests of

Chemistry of confirmatory tests of
Analysis of Group–VI cation .
Experiment Observation Inference

If group-V is absent, take OS + Solid + excess , warm,

cool + disodium hydrogen phosphate solution, the inner
white ppt confirmed
walls of the test tube are scratched with a glass rod

Chemistry of confirmatory tests of