Experiment 2-3

Qualitative Analysis of Metal Ions in Solution

Introduction
It is extremely useful to know how to detect the presence of specific ions in an aqueous
solution. This type of analysis falls under the general category of analytical chemistry called
qualitative analysis, which addresses the question "What is in a sample?" The basis for a
qualitative analysis is the fact that ions will undergo specific chemical reactions with certain
reagents to yield observable products. For example, silver ion can be precipitated with
hydrochloric acid to yield solid silver chloride. Because many cations will not react with
hydrochloric acid in this way, this simple reaction can be used to separate ions that form
insoluble chlorides from those that do not. In fact, the qualitative detection of ions in a mixture
is commonly accomplished by a system of analysis in which precipitation reactions play a major
role. In addition, acid-base reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions, and the formation of
complex ions are often used in a systematic way for either separating ions or for determining the
presence of specific ions.
The qualitative analysis of ions in a mixture must follow a scheme that can be
summarized as follows: (1) Add reagents that exploit the more general properties of ions to
separate major groups of ions; (2) separate major groups into subgroups with reactions that will
distinguish less general properties; and (3) add reagents that will specifically confirm the
presence of individual ions. Following this general three-step plan, several different analytical
schemes have been devised that are based on various ways of defining major groups. In this
course, you will follow a scheme which separates cations into five major groups according to the
solubilities of their compounds:
Group I (Ag+, Pb2+, Hg2+) cations produce insoluble chlorides so they can be precipitated with
dilute HCl, while all other cations remain in solution.
Group II (Cu2+, Bi3+, Cd2+, Hg2+, As3+, Sb3+, Sn4+) cations produce very insoluble sulfides
(Ksp values less than 10-30) so they can be precipitated by low amounts of sulfide ion; this can be
achieved by adding an acidic solution of H2S.
Group III (Al3+, Cr3+, Fe3+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Mn2+) cations produce slightly soluble sulfides
(Ksp values more than 10-20) so they can be precipitated by relatively high amounts of sulfide ion;
this can be achieved by adding a basic solution of H2S.
Group IV (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+) cations, as well as all of the above groups, produce
insoluble carbonates so they can be precipitated by the addition of carbonate once the ions of the
first three groups have been removed.
Group V (Na+, K+, NH4+) cations do not precipitate with any of the above reagents.
For a successful qualitative analysis based on the above five groups, the order of reagent
addition is crucial and should follow the order listed above (that is, group I first, group II second,
and so on). For example, addition of carbonate first would precipitate everything but the group
V ions or addition of basic H2S first would precipitate all group II and group III ions.
Because much of qualitative analysis involves selective precipitation and then separation of
the two phases, it is convenient to represent an analytical scheme in the form of a flow chart. For
example, a simple flow chart is shown below for separating a known mixture of Ag+(group I),
Cu2+(group II), and Ca2+ (group IV) ions. The addition of each reagent (presented in order from
top to bottom) produces a solid phase and an aqueous phase that can be separated by centrifugation
or filtration.
II & III-1

Ag+ (aq), Cu 2+(aq), Ca 2+(aq)

dilute HCl(aq)

AgCl(s)

Cu2+(aq), Ca 2+(aq)

acidic H2 S(aq)

CuS(s)

Ca2+(aq)

NH4 CO3 (aq)

CaCO3 (s)

The above flow chart translates to the following steps: (1) add dilute HCl to precipitate AgCl
from the mixture; (2) centrifuge sample to yield a solid pellet of AgCl and a supernatant (the
solution that remains above the pellet after centrifugation); (3) remove the supernatant and add to
it acidic H2S to precipitate CuS; (4) centrifuge; (5) remove supernatant and add to it
NH4CO3(aq) to precipitate CaCO3. Of course, this is a simplified scheme for the purpose of
example; if you were to analyze an unknown mixture you would need to include: steps to check
for the presence of any group III or group V ions; several steps to separate major groups into
subgroups; and then confirmatory tests for the presence of each individual ion.
Once you have separated a mixture into major groups a variety of reagents can be added
to distinguish subgroups or individual ions. These reagents are chosen because they react with
specific ions to exploit less general properties (reactions can involve precipitation, acid-base
neutralization, oxidation-reduction, or complex ion formation). In the same way that a flow
chart can be used to describe the separation of major groups, you can construct flow charts for
the separation of components within a major group.
In any qualitative analysis it is important to run your analytical scheme on "known"
samples, prepared to contain specific ions of interest, as well as "unknown" samples in order to
test your ability to use the procedure to analyze a solution of unknown composition. In this way,
you can observe first-hand how a particular ion behaves when a certain reagent is added and
make comparisons with the behavior of your unknown sample.

II & I11-2

The primary objectives of this experiment are to learn how to:

observe and record carefully the chemical behavior of ions with different reagents.
learn how to apply fundamental chemical principles to an experimental situation.
learn how to evaluate critically experimental observations.
General Instructions
The various reagents that you will need are either in "qual blocks" in the center of each
bench, or in the hoods (solutions to be analyzed, strong bases, ammonium thiocynate) at the sides
of the room. Be careful using the automatic burets and dispensers. You will work with three
known solutions, and one unknown. Given the toxicity of the ions, all waste should be
discarded in the appropriate waste container in the hood.
Careful notebook records should be kept of all tests on knowns and unknowns. Results in
qualitative analysis are easily confused, and it is therefore very important that you be diligent
about labeling your various test tubes, and that you record your observations immediately. It is
suggested that you use the following format for your lab notebook:
Step

Substance

Reagent

Result

Inference

1.

Unknown

HCl crystals

white ppt

ions of Group I
present

2.

Washed ppt
from step 1

hot H2O

ppt completely
dissolves

Pb2+ probably present

Solution from
step 2

CH3COOH
K2CrO4

yellow ppt

Pb2+ present

3.

2+

Ag+,Hg2 absent

General techniques in semimicro qualitative analysis

1. After adding a reagent, stir the solution thoroughly before drawing any final conclusions.
This should be done whether the reaction is carried out in a centrifuge tube or a casserole.
Often additional quantities of the reagent must then be added so that an excess is present.
When the reaction is carried out in a centrifuge tube, stirring may often be carried out
expeditiously, particularly if a precipitate is present originally, by bubbling air through the
mixture by means of the capillary dropper or by carefully drawing the mixture up into the
dropper.
2. To see if precipitation is complete
a. Centrifuge and add a drop of the reagent to the clear supernatant. Observe if more
precipitate is formed.
b. Centrifuge, transfer the supernatant liquid to another centrifuge tube and add a drop of
the reagent to this liquid. Centrifuge and observe if additional precipitate has formed. If
the additional precipitate is very small in quantity relative to the original precipitate, it
may usually be discarded. If the quantity is large, it should be combined with the original
precipitate.
II & I11-3

3. To remove the supernatant liquid from a precipitate

Hold the centrifuge tube in the left hand in a slanting position and carefully lower the end of
the dropper below the surface of the liquid so as not to disturb the precipitate. If the quantity
of the liquid is large, it is usually best to remove it in several portions. Do not allow the
liquid to get into the rubber bulb. Transfer the bulk of the liquid to another vessel, and then
in a final operation remove the last portion of the supernatant liquid. It is often advisable to
recentrifuge before removing this final portion.
4. Washing a precipitate
After the supernatant liquid is removed, add a few drops of water or the appropriate washing
solution to the precipitate and mix thoroughly, centrifuge and remove the supernatant liquid.
A good general rule is to combine the liquid from the first washing with the original
supernatant liquid. Repeat the washing several times, but now discard the wash water. If it
is essential that the precipitate be thoroughly washed, test the washings with an appropriate
reagent to see if all of the foreign ions have been removed.
5. To remove a precipitate from a centrifuge tube
a. A portion of the precipitate may be removed by means of the stirring rod.
b. If all of the precipitate is to be transferred to another centrifuge tube or to a casserole, this
may often be accomplished by moistening it with a drop of water and sucking it up into
the narrow portion of the capillary dropper. It can then be squirted into the proper vessel.
c. If the precipitate is to be treated later with a reagent, e.g., boiled with an acid, add some
of the reagent to the precipitate and mix the two together by sucking the mixture up into
the dropper. The mixture is then transferred to the proper vessel by means of the dropper.
Wash any remaining precipitate out with a little more of the reagent in the same way.
6. To heat a solution below its boiling point
Put the tube in a beaker of warm or boiling water and allow it to remain there, stirring from
time to time.
7. To evaporate a solution
It is usually best to do this in a casserole. The casserole may be held in the hand (a rubber
tube or stopper on the handle, perhaps) and is waved through the flame, or it may be put on
one corner of a piece of wire gauze which is suspended well above a small flame.
If evaporation is to be carried to dryness, at the final stage the casserole should be held in the
hand so that the heating can be controlled. When only a few drops remain, tilt the casserole
to one side. Remember that porcelain retains heat, so remove the casserole from the flame in
plenty of time.
8. To test pH with Litmus paper
Place a strip of litmus paper on a clean, dry surface. Place a drop of solution to be tested on
the litmus paper. Use clean stirring rod to effect the transfer. Read the color of the paper
while it is wet.

II & I11-4

Overview of qualitative analysis scheme

The overall scheme for the systematic analysis of a mixtures of cations, based on the five
major groups discussed above, is shown as a flow chart below. Your laboratory work will
include many fewer ions (indicated in bold face type), but a number sufficient to introduce most
of the principles involved.

IONS FROM ALL CATION GROUPS

6M HCl
solution

precipitate

H 2 S in
acidic soln

Group I
(A g+, H g2 2 +, Pb2 +)
precipitate

solution
H 2 S in
basic soln

Group II
( Pb2 +, Cu2 +, B i3 +, Hg 2+, Cd 2+)
precipitate

solution
NH 4 CO 3
NH 3
NH 4 Cl

solution

Group III
( Ni2 +, F e2 +, Co 2+, Mn 2+, Zn 2+ - as sulfides)
(Al3 +, Cr3 + - as hydroxides)
precipitate

Group IV
( Ba 2+, Sr 2+, Ca 2+)
Group V
(NH 4 +, Na +, K +, Mg 2+)

II & I11-5

In summary, the ions with which we will be concerned are the following:
Group I: Ag+, Hg22+, Pb2+
Group II: Pb2+, Bi3+, Cu2+
Group III: Ni2+, Fe2+, Al3+, Cr3+
Some relevant solubility products are:
AgCl

1.6 x 10-10

Bi2S3

1.6 x 10-72

PbCl2

2.4 x 10-4

CuS

1.0 x 10-44

Hg2Cl2

1.0 x 10-18

PbS

3.4 x 10-28

FeS

3.7 x 10-19

NiS

1.4 x 10-24

BaCO3

2 x 10-9

Al(OH)3

1.8 x 10-33

Cr(OH)3

3.0 x 10-29

Fe(OH)2

1.6 x 10-14

Fe(OH)3

1.1 x 10-36

where we used molar concentrations.

The remaining discussion of the qualitative analysis scheme is divided into sections according to
the individual group analyses. For each group, a discussion of the chemistry involved is
presented, followed by the experimental procedures for that particular group. Before beginning
work on a cation group, read carefully the descriptions of the chemical reactions involved and
the details of experimental procedures.
A. Group I Analysis: Pb2, Hg22+, Ag+
Chemistry of the Precipitation of the Group I Cations
The precipitating reagent of Group I is a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid, and the ions
precipitated are those of silver, Ag+, mercury (I), Hg22+, and lead (II), Pb2+. The net ionic
equations are:
Ag+ + ClAgCl(s)
(AgCl is white, turning purple in light)
Hg22+ + 2Cl-

Hg2Cl2(s)

(Hg2Cl2 is white)

Pb2+ + 2Cl-

PbCl2(s)

(PbCl2 is white)

II & I11-6

A slight excess of chloride ion is used to reduce the solubility of the precipitates in accordance
with the common ion effect. Even so the solubility of lead chloride is sufficiently high for an
appreciable concentration of lead ion to remain in solution. Most of this is precipitated with the
Group II reagent.
A large excess of chloride ion should be avoided in order to prevent the formation of soluble
chloro complex ions which will dissolve the precipitates:
AgCl + Cl-

AgCl2-

PbCl2 + Cl-

PbCl3-

Hg2Cl2 + 2Cl-

HgCl42- + Hg

Chemistry of the Separation and Identification of the Group I Cations

The lead chloride may be extracted from the other two chlorides which may also be in the
precipitate with hot water since its solubility increases with an increase in temperature much
more markedly than do the solubilities of silver chloride and mercury (I) chloride.
Pb2+(aq) + 2Cl-

PbCl2 + H2O

The presence of lead ion is confirmed by adding an aqueous solution of potassium chromate,
K2CrO4, which provides chromate ion to form lead chromate, PbCrO4, a birght yellow solid
which is less soluble than lead chloride:
Pb2+ + CrO42-

PbCrO4

The silver chloride and mercury (I) chloride which may be in the precipitate may be separated
from one another by taking advantage of the fact that only silver ion forms a soluble complex ion
with ammonia. By adding ammonia water to the residue, the silver chloride is selectively
dissolved due to the formation of the soluble diammine silver (I) ion.
AgCl(s) + 2NH3

Ag(NH3) 2+ + Cl-

The addition of ammonia converts the white mercury (I) chloride in the precipitate to a mixture
of white mercury (II) amidochloride and elemental mercury, black in the finely divided condition
in which it is formed:
2NH3 + Hg2Cl2 (s)

HgNH2Cl(s) + Hg(l) + NH4+ + Cl-

II & I11-7

The formation of the insoluble black mixture of the two principal products serves as confirming
evidence for the original presence of mercury (I).
The presence of silver ion is confirmed by acidification of the solution containing the Ag(NH3)2+
ion with nitric acid. The nitric acid converts the ammonia of the silver complex ion equilibrium
to ammonium ion:
Ag(NH3) 2+
2 NH3 + 2H+

Ag+ + 2 NH3
2NH4+

and the silver chloride reprecipitates:

Ag+ + Cl-

AgCl(s)

From an overall viewpoint the reaction on acidification is:

Ag(NH3) 2+ + Cl- + 2H+

AgCl(s) + 2NH4+

Separation of Group I Cations

1. Use 15 drops of sample. (Throughout these instructions "one drop" refers to the amount of
liquid in one drop obtained from a regular dropper, not a semimicro dropper.)
2. Precipitation of the cations of Group I as chlorides
Add 1 drop (approx. 0.05 mL) of 6 M HCl and stir thoroughly, using a glass rod to scratch
the walls of the test tube in order to induce crystallization of PbCl2, which tends to stay in
super-saturated solution. If a precipitate forms, centrifuge, then test for complete
precipitation by adding another drop of HCl to the supernatant. Continue addition of the HCl
until no more precipitation is observed, but avoid a large excess which may cause
redissolving of the chlorides as complex anions.
Stir for approximately 1 to 2 minutes to allow sufficient time for the slow precipitation of
PbCl2. You may want to cool the solution in an ice bath.
Centrifuge and withdraw the supernatant as completely as possible using a semimicro
dropper and transfer to another test tube. Test the transferred clear liquid for completeness of
precipitation by adding 1 drop more 6 M HCl.
Wash the precipitate with a few drops of dilute HCl (prepare by adding 1 drop of 6 M HCl to
about 10 drops of water and mixing well). Discard washings.

II & I11-8

II & I11-9

B. Group II Analysis: Pb2+, Bi3+, Cu2+

Chemistry of the Precipitation of the Group II Cations
The ions of Groups II and Groups III are separated by precipitation of their insoluble sulfides.
The sulfide ion is furnished by the weak electrolyte gaseous hydrogen sulfide, which is only
sparingly soluble in water. At 25C and 1 atmosphere pressure, a saturated aqueous solution
contains about 0.1 mole in a liter.)
In the laboratory hydrogen sulfide is conveniently generated by hydrolyzing thioacetamide:

CH3CNH2 + H2O

CH3CNH2 + H2S

thioacetamide

acetamide

This reaction is catalyzed by acid and is accelerated by increasing the temperature. This
convenient method of generating the hydrogen sulfide is used to minimize the escape into the
atmosphere of the highly toxic and unpleasant smelling gas and because it promotes the
formation of purer, coarser and more easily handled sulfide precipitates.
The dissolved molecular hydrogen sulfide dissociates into hydrogen ions, hydrogen sulfide ions,
HS-, and sulfide ions, S2- Three equilibria are involved:
H2S(g)

H2S(aq)
H + HS-

H2S(aq)

[H ][HS ] = 5.7x10
=
+

K1

[H2S]
+ 2

HS-

H + S
+

2-

K2

[H ] [S ] = 1x10
=
[HS ]
2

1 9

The low value of K2 suggests that there is very little free S2- in aqueous solutions unless they are
extremely basic. Therefore, the precipitation of metal sulfides is best written
M2+ + H2S

MS(s) + 2H+

As with any equilibrium, the extent of reaction depends on the relative concentrations of
products and reactants. In this case, making the solution acidic will tend to prevent precipitation
of metal sulfides. The Ksp values given in the previous pages can be used as a general guide to
the ease of precipitation of the sulfides we are using in this qualitative analysis scheme. Sulfides
of very low solubility will precipitate from acidic hydrogen sulfide solutions, while sulfides of
greater solubility will remain in solution and will precipitate only in basic solutions. Controlling
the concentration of H+, therefore, can be used to separate ions on this basis of differences in the
solubility of their sulfides.

II & I11-10

The ions of Group II are precipitated as their sulfides from an acidic solution of hydrogen
sulfide, and for this reason Group II is often called the Acid Hydrogen Sulfide Group. The ions
of Group III are precipitated as their sulfides from a basic solution of hydrogen sulfide, and
Group III is often called the Basic Hydrogen Sulfide Group. If the hydrogen ion concentration is
maintained in the range of 0.1 M and 0.3 M, (pH=0.5-1.0) the ions of Group II will precipitate,
but not the ions of Group III, the sulfides of which are more soluble.
The reactions involved in the precipitation of Group II are as follows (for the ions we are
considering):
Pb+2 + H2S

PbS(s) + 2H+

(PbS is black)

2Bi+3 + 3H2S

Bi2S3(s) + 6H+

(Bi2S3 is brown)

Cu+2 + H2S

CuS(s) + 2H+

(CuS is black)

Chemistry of the Separation and Identification of the Group II Cations

The first step involves the conversion of the sulfides of the precipitate to soluble nitrates by
treatment with nitric acid. The reactions involved are as follows:
PbS(s) + 2NO -(aq) + 4H+(aq)
Pb2+(aq) + S(s) + 2NO (g) + 2H O
3

CuS(s) + 2NO3-(aq) + 4H+ (aq)

Cu2+ (aq) + S(s) + 2NO2 (g) + 2H2O

Bi2S3 (s) + 6NO3-(aq) + 12H+ (aq)

2Bi3+(aq) + 3S(s) + 6NO2 (g) + 6H2O

The Pb2+ ion is separated from the soluble mixture by conversion to its insoluble sulfate:
Pb2+ + SO42-

PbSO4 (s)

(PbSO4 is white)

The sulfate ions are provided by the addition of sulfuric acid. To make the precipitation as
complete as possible, the nitric acid must be removed because the nitrate ions tend to dissolve
the lead sulfate because of the following reaction:
Pb2+ + NO PbNO +
3

And the hydrogen ions also tend to dissolve the lead sulfate because of their action on the sulfate
ions:
H+ + PbSO4

Pb2+ + HSO4-

The nitric acid is removed by heating the reaction mixture. As the sulfuric acid is concentrated,
it converts the nitrate ion into molecular nitric acid which is then removed by evaporation.
NO3- + H2SO4

HNO3 (g) + HSO4

II & I11-11

When the nitric acid has been removed the temperature increases, further bringing about the
decomposition of the sulfuric acid:
H2SO4

SO3 (g) + H2O(g)

The sulfur trioxide forms dense white fumes, the appearance of which indicates the removal of
the nitric acid and its solubilizing influence. Do not evaporate to dryness. Note: This step is
very important; if not done correctly, Pb2+- will be carried over and give false tests for other ions.
The insoluble lead sulfate is dissolved by the addition of acetate ion as ammonium acetate to
form a complex ion:
PbSO4 (s) + 3CH3COO-

2-

Pb(CH3COO) 3 + SO4

The addition of chromate ion in the form of potassium chromate precipitates the lead ion as the
orange yellow lead chromate which confirms the presence of lead ion.
2Pb(CH3COO)3 + CrO4

PbCrO4 (s) + 3CH3COO-

The supernatant remaining from the precipitation of lead sulfate possibly contains both bismuth
III and copper II ions. The bismuth III ions are separated by precipitation as white gelatinous
bismuth (III) hydroxide upon the addition of an aqueous solution of ammonia:
Bi3+ + 3NH3 + 3H2O

+
Bi(OH) 3 (s) + 3NH4

The presence of bismuth III ion is confirmed by converting the white bismuth (III) hydroxide to
jet black, finely divided elemental bismuth through the addition of stannite ion, Sn(OH)3- as
sodium stannite, NaSn(OH) 3.
3OH- + 2Bi(OH) 3 (s) + 3Sn(OH)3

2-

3Sn(OH)6

+ 2Bi(s)

(Bi is black)

The sodium stannite solution is prepared by adding sodium hydroxide to a solution of tin (II)
chloride until the precipitate of tin (II) hydroxide, formed at first, dissolves. The reactions are:
2NaOH + SnCl2
Sn(OH) 2 (s) + NaOH

Sn(OH) 2 (s) + 2NaCl

NaSn(OH)3

II & I11-12

The addition of the ammonia water to precipitate the bismuth hydroxide also converts any copper
II ion present to the deep blue complex ion, Cu(NH2)2+.
Cu2+ + 4NH3

2+

Cu(NH3)4

2+

(Cu(NH3)4 is deep blue)

The occurrence of the deep blue solution confirms the presence of copper II ion.
Separation of Group II Cations
1. Calibration of a test tube
Measure 2.5 mL of water with the 10 mL graduate cylinder into a small dry test tube and
mark the water level using a file.
2.

Adjustment of the acidity and precipitation of the cations of Group II using thioacetamide.
(a) Place 15 drops of the Group II known solution (or all of Group I supernatant if working
on general unknown) containing the cations in the calibrated tube and add 6 M ammonia
solution drop-wise with good stirring until the solution is basic (test with red litmus
paper). If an analysis of all groups is being made, use all of the supernatant from the first
Group I precipitation and make basic with 6 M ammonia solution as above.
Add 2 M HCl (which you have prepared from 6 M HCl) carefully, with good stirring,
until the pH is between 2 and 3 (short range indicator paper). If the solution becomes too
acid, add a fraction of a drop of 6 M NH3 solution ( from a stirring rod) to achieve range.
Add 0.35 mL (7 drops) more 2 M HCl. Then add 4 drops of 11% thioacetamide solution
(TA), make up to the mark at 2.5 mL with water, and mix well. At this point the pH
should be approximately 0.5 (corresponding to a hydrogen ion concentration of 0.3 M).
(b) Heat the solution in a bath of boiling water for 5 minutes. Centrifuge, withdraw the
supernatant to another test tube. Check the acidity of the solution with short range test
paper and, if necessary, add sufficient 6 M NH3 solution to raise the pH to 0.5 again.
(c) Add 2 additional drops TA reagent and heat for several minutes in the boiling water.
Centrifuge if more precipitate appears and continue heating and centrifuging as long as a
precipitate is obtained.
At this stage you will have a precipitate (one or more portions) containing the sulfides of
Pb2+, Cu2+ and Bi3+ as well as a clear liquid supernatant containing the cations of later
Groups, if present.
(d) Treatment of the precipitate of Group II sulfides
Combine the portions of the sulfide precipitate and wash the precipitate twice, each time
with approximately 20 drops of hot water containing 1 drop of 6 M NH4Cl. Add the first
washings to the clear supernatant containing the cations of later Groups. Discard the
second washings. If doing only Group II analysis, discard the supernatant and both
washings.
(e) If you are to analyze for cations in later Groups, add 1 ml 12 M HCl to the combined
solutions (clear supernatant from Group II sulfides plus first washings), transfer to a
casserole and evaporate almost to dryness (CARE). Then add several drops water and 1
drop 6 M HCl and reserve for Group III analysis.
II & I11-13

II & I11-14

C. Group III Analysis: Ni2+, Fe2+, Al3+, Cr3+

The Chemistry of the Precipitation of the Group III Cations
The ions of Group III are precipitated as their sulfides, or as their hydroxides, from a basic
solution of hydrogen sulfide. The sulfides of the ions of Group III are not sufficiently insoluble
to be precipitated in the acidic solution of hydrogen sulfide of Group II but will be precipitated
by basic solutions of hydrogen sulfide.
A basic hydrogen sulfide solution also contains a concentration of hydroxide ions. Although this
is very small, it is sufficient to precipitate the very insoluble hydroxides of aluminum and
chromium (III) ions. The equations for the precipitation of the ions of Group III under
consideration in our laboratory work are:
Ni2+ + H2S

NiS(s) + 2H+

(NiS is black)

Fe2+ + H2S

FeS(s) + 2H+

Al3+ + 3NH3 + 3H2O

Al(OH) 3 (s) + 3NH4+

Cr3+ + 3NH3 + 3H2O

(FeS is black)

Cr(OH) 3 (s) + 3NH4+

(Al(OH) 3 is white, gelatinous)

(Cr(OH) 3 is gray-green, gelatinous)

Care must be taken not to have the solution of hydrogen sulfide too basic, for if the concentration
of hydroxide ion is sufficiently high, unwanted precipitation of magnesium hydroxide will take
place. To achieve a hydroxide ion concentration of the necessary concentration (about 1 x 10-5
M) an ammonia-ammonium chloride buffer is produced by adding ammonia to a solution of
ammonium chloride.
In the ammonia solution the following ionization equilibrium prevails:
NH3 + H2O

NH4+ + OH-

The hydroxide ion concentration of a 0.1 M NH3 solution is about 1.3 x 10-3 M which is
sufficiently high to precipitate magnesium hydroxide. The presence of the added ammonium ion
concentration from the ammonium chloride displaces the ammonia equilibrium to the left
(common ion effect) reducing the hydroxide ion concentration. In practice sufficient ammonium
chloride is added to reduce the hydroxide ion concentration to about 1 x 10-5 M. A hydroxide
concentration of this value is sufficient to precipitate the slightly soluble aluminum and
chromium hydroxides but not the more soluble magnesium hydroxide (compare the Ksp values
of the hydroxides).

II & I11-15

In the course of producing the ammonia-ammonium chloride buffer (before the thioacetamide
solution is added), the following reactions will take place if the appropriate ions are present:
Ni2+ (green) + 6NH3

Ni(NH3)62+ (blue)
Fe(OH) 3 (s) + 3NH4+ (Fe(OH) 3 is reddish brown)

Fe3+ + 3NH3 + 3H2O

Al3+ + 3NH3 + 3H2O

Al(OH) 3 (s) + 3NH4+ (Al(OH) 3 is white, gelatinous)

Cr3+ + 3NH3 + 3H2O

Cr(OH) 3 (s) + 3NH4+ (Cr(OH) 3 is gray-green, gelatinous)

The hydrogen sulfide for the precipitation in the basic solution is generated by the hydrolysis of
thioacetamide as in the acidic solution of Group II, but in basic solution the hydrolysis reaction is
much more complex and less well understood.
(Note: As handed out, Group III knowns and unknowns contain Fe3+, which is reduced
by H2S and forms FeS. If Fe2+ were present, it would also precipitate as a greenish
gelatinous hydroxide.)
Chemistry of the Separation and Identification of the Group III Cations
The group precipitate containing nickel (II) sulfide, iron (II) sulfide, aluminum hydroxide, and
chromium hydroxide is dissolved by heating in a dilute solution of nitric acid. The reactions are:
Cr(OH)3(s) + 3H+

Cr3+ + 3H2O

Al(OH) 3 (s) + 3H+

Al3+ + 3H2O

NiS(s) + 2NO3- + 4H+

Ni2+ + S + 2NO2(g) + 2H2O

FeS(s) + 3NO3- + 6H+

Fe3+ + S + 3NO2 (g) + 3H2O

Note that in this process Fe2+ ions are oxidized to Fe3+ ions.
The iron (III) and Ni (II) are separated as hydroxides by precipitation with an excess of sodium
hydroxide in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.
Ni2+ + 2OH-

Ni(OH)2 (s) (green)

Fe3+ + 3OH-

Fe(OH)3(s) (red-brown)

II & I11-16

The amphoteric aluminum hydroxide is converted to the tetrahydroxo-aluminate complex by the

hydroxide ion:
Al3+ + 3OHAl(OH) (s)
3

Al(OH)3 (s) + OH-

Al(OH)4-

The chromium ion is oxidized by hydrogen peroxide in the basic solution to yellow chromate ion
by the following reaction:
2Cr3+ + 3H2O2 + 10 OH-

2CrO42- + 8H2O (CrO42- is yellow)

The precipitates of nickel (II) hydroxide and iron (III) hydroxide are removed by centrifugation
and redissolved by treatment with hydrochloric acid.
Fe(OH)3 + 3H+

Fe3+ + 3H2O

Ni(OH) 2 + 2H+

Ni2+ + 2H2O

The presence of iron (III) ion is confirmed by the appearance of the characteristic deep red color
of the thiocyanate complex ion on addition of ammonium thiocyanate:
Fe3+ + SCN-

Fe(SCN)2+

(deep red)

N OH
Ni2 +

CH3
2
CH3

C
C
N OH
dimethylglyoxime
(dmg)

N O--- HO N
CH3

CH3

H3C

H3C

Ni(II)
N OH O---

nickel(dmg) 2

The presence of nickel is confirmed by converting the Ni (II) ion to a scarlet red complex with
dimethylglyoxime.
The nickel dimethylglyoxime is a special type of complex in which the complexing agent bonds
with the ion at more than one coordinating position. Such a complex is designated with the
special name chelate, and the phenomenon is called chelation.
In order to avoid the possibility of obscuring the formation of the scarlet nickel
dimethylglyoxime precipitate, the reaction solution is first treated with ammonia water to
precipitate any iron (III) ion as iron (III) hydroxide.
Fe3+ + 3NH3 + 3H2O

Fe(OH) 3 (s) + 3NH4+

II & I11-17

The relatively small concentration of the hydroxide ion furnished by the weakly dissociated
ammonia water is sufficient to precipitate the very slightly soluble iron (III) hydroxide without
precipitating the more soluble nickel (II) hydroxide (compare the solubility product constants).
The presence of chromate ion is suggested if the supernatant from the treatment with the sodium
hydroxide is yellow. The presence of chromate ion is confirmed by precipitation of yellow lead
chromate from a weakly acid solution on addition of lead acetate:
Pb2+ + CrO42-

PbCrO4(s)

(yellow)

The presence of aluminum ion is detected by precipitation of the white, gelatinous aluminum
hydroxide; confirmation involves dissolving this precipitate and reprecipitating in the presence
of a red dye called aluminon. The aluminum hydroxide absorbs the red dye to form what is
known as a "lake". The precipitation of aluminum hydroxide is carried out with ammonia to
avoid the possibility of converting the aluminum hydroxide to aluminate ion. The precipitation
reaction is:
Al3+ + 3NH3 + 3H2O

3NH4+ + Al(OH) 3 (s)

(white, gelatinous)

The structure of the aluminon is:

Separation of Group III Cations

1. Use 15 drops of the Group III known or unknown solution. If an analysis of all groups is
being made, use all of the supernatant from the initial precipitation of Group II, the liquid
from 2(e), Group II.
2. Dilute the sample or liquid from 2(e) Group with water to a total volume of approximately 2 ml.
3. Add 6 drops 6 M NH4Cl and make the solution basic with 15 M NH3 (test with litmus), using
1 drop of 15 M NH3 in excess. Shake for several minutes with free access to air.
At this point note carefully whether or not a precipitate is present. A colored solution often
obscures a precipitate. Record the color and appearance of any precipitate.
Add 4 drops of TA solution and heat in the boiling water bath for at least five minutes.
Centrifuge.

II & I11-18

II & I11-19

II & I11-20

Experiment 2-3 Worksheet Qualitative Analysis Results

Name:

Date of Experiment:
Date of Report:

Experimental Results
Ions Present

______________________

Write up (no more than 2-4 pages) a summary of how you arrived at the identification of ions in
your unknown solution. Make sure to separate your observations from your
inference/conclusion. You should present this in as organized and clear a fashion as possible
give some thought to how best to do this and consult the introductory section of this manual
(page 21). Include chemical reactions only for those ions that were present in your solution
that is, to describe reactions that actually occurred in your sample, rather than all that could have
occurred. Discuss any possible uncertainties in your conclusion.

II & I11-21

II & I11-22