Notebook Theme

Analysis of Cobalt(II) Fluoride (CoF₂)

Qualitative analysis

Aim

To analyse the given inorganic salt for one acidic and one basic radical.

Preliminary Test

  • Colour: Pink
  • Odour: Odourless
  • State: Crystalline solid
  • Solubility: Soluble in water

Test of Anion (F⁻)

ExperimentObservationInference
Take the salt and treat with concentrated H₂SO₄Colourless gas evolves and it etches glassF⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Test
Calcium Chloride Test
Treat salt solution with calcium chloride solution
White gelatinous precipitate formsPresence of F⁻ is confirmed

Test of Cation (Co²⁺)

ExperimentObservationInference
Original solution + H₂S gas in presence of NH₄OHBlack precipitate is formedGroup IV cation may be present
Dissolve the black sulphide precipitate in aqua regia and heatResidue remains in solution after evaporationCo²⁺ may be present
Confirmatory Test
Potassium Hexanitritocobaltate(III) Test
Neutralise with NH₄OH, acidify with dilute acetic acid and add strong potassium nitrite solution
Yellow precipitate is formedPresence of Co²⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains Co²⁺ as the cation (basic radical) and F⁻ as the anion (acidic radical). The salt is Cobalt(II) Fluoride (CoF₂).

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.