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Experiment No. N

Analysis of Calcium Acetate (Ca²⁺CH₃COO⁻)

Aim

To determine the presence of anion and cation in the given salt

Preliminary Test

  • Odor: Vinegar-like
  • Texture: Crystalline
  • Color: White
  • Solubility: Soluble in water

Test of Anion

ExperimentObservationInference
Salt + Dilute H₂SO₄No reactionDilute H₂SO₄ group is absent
Salt + Conc. H₂SO₄Vapours with vinegar-like smell evolveCH₃COO⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Oxalic Acid Test
Take pinch of salt on palm and pinch of oxalic acid and 2-3 drops of water and make a paste		Strong vinegar-like smell is obtainedPresence of CH₃COO⁻ is confirmed
Ferric Chloride Test
Salt Solution + FeCl₃ solution		Reddish-brown ppt is obtainedPresence of CH₃COO⁻ is confirmed

Test of Cation

ExperimentObservationInference
Salt + NaOH solutionNo reactionZero group cation is absent
Original salt + Dil. HClNo reactionFirst group cation is absent
Original salt + Dil. HCl + H₂S gas (Na₂S chips)No reactionSecond group cation is absent
Original salt + Dil. HCl + NH₄Cl solid + NH₄OH solutionNo reactionThird group cation is absent
Original solution + Dil. HCl + NH₄Cl + NH₄OH + (NH₄)₂CO₃White ppt is formedBa²⁺ may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Dissolve the white ppt in dil. acetic acid and add potassium chromateNo reactionBa²⁺ absent
Dissolve the white ppt in dil. acetic acid and add (NH₄)₂SO₄No reactionSr²⁺ absent
Dissolve the white ppt in dil. acetic acid and add ammonium oxalate + a few drops of NH₄OHWhite pptCa²⁺ confirmed

Result

The given salt contains Ca²⁺ ions as cation and CH₃COO⁻ ions as anion. The salt is Ca²⁺CH₃COO⁻.

Precautions

  1. Handle the chemicals with care.
  2. Don't use excess of chemicals.
  3. Keep the mouth of the test tube away from the face.