Qualitative Analysis of an Ionic Compound

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Introduction: Whether it is to find the cause behind the symptoms of medicine or to learn about the differences between compounds and their components, being able to compare the outcomes of chemical processes and identify cations and anions is essential for the understanding of daily life. In this experiment, an unknown sample was put through several tests in order to compare its results with those of basic cations and anions. In order to understand this experiment, the basics of elimination and confirmation tests must be known. Elimination tests, when imposed upon an unknown, exclude cations and anions from consideration in order to narrow the amount of possible candidates. Confirmation tests are then used to confirm the found identity of the cation or anion. Materials and Methods: Cation Tests- The elements, potassium, iron (III), zinc, copper(II), and cobalt were each labeled on five test tubes, each consisting ten drops of the labeled metal solution. The color was noted. For the metal hydroxide elimination test, 6 M NaOH was added dropwise to each test tube till a precipitate was observed or till 20 drops were reached. 10 drops of NaOH were added to each precipitate to test for amphoteric species. The contents were rinsed with distilled water and the tubes were cleaned with 6 M HCl. For the ammonia elimination test, 10 drops of each cation solution were placed in their tubes and 15 M NH4OH were added dropwise till a precipitate or color complex was observed or till 20 drops were reached. 10 drops of 15 M NH4OH were added and additional changes were recorded. The contents were disposed of and rinsed with distilled water. For the flame confirmation tests, 20 drops of each metal solution were added to their appropriate tubes. A Bunsen burner was lit and adjusted till a blue cone appeared in the flame. A platinum loop dipped in HCl was placed above the

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