Notebook Theme

Analysis of Cobalt(II) Iodide (CoI₂)

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 (I⁻)

ExperimentObservationInference
Take 0.1 g of salt in a test tube and add conc. H₂SO₄Deep violet vapour with a pungent odour is evolvedI⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Layer Test
Take test solution or extract, add CHCl₃/CCl₄ and chlorine water dropwise, then shake vigorously
Violet colouration appears in the organic layerI⁻ is confirmed
Silver Nitrate Test
Acidify sodium carbonate extract with dilute HNO₃ and add AgNO₃
Yellow precipitate is obtained, insoluble in excess NH₄OHI⁻ 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 I⁻ as the anion (acidic radical). The salt is Cobalt(II) Iodide (CoI₂).

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.