Notebook Theme

Experiment No. N

Analysis of Iron(III) Carbonate (Fe³⁺CO₃²⁻)

Aim

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

Preliminary Test

  • Odor: Odorless
  • Texture: Crystalline
  • Color: White
  • Solubility: Soluble in water

Test of Anion

ExperimentObservationInference
Salt + Dilute HClColorless, odorless gas evolves with brisk effervescenceCO₃²⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Lime Water Test
Pass the evolved gas through lime water
Lime water turns milkyPresence of CO₃²⁻ is confirmed
Magnesium Sulphate Test
Salt solution + MgSO₄ solution
White ppt is obtainedPresence of CO₃²⁻ is confirmed

Test of Cation

ExperimentObservationInference
Salt solution + NaOH solutionReddish-brown precipitateFe³⁺ may be present
Confirmatory Test
Potassium Ferrocyanide Test
Salt solution + K₄[Fe(CN)₆] solution
Dark blue precipitate (Prussian blue)Presence of Fe³⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains Fe³⁺ ions as cation and CO₃²⁻ ions as anion. The salt is Fe³⁺CO₃²⁻.

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.