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Experiment No. N

Analysis of Iron(III) Acetate (Fe(CH₃COO)₃)

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
Take 0.1 g salt + dilute H₂SO₄Colourless vapours with vinegar-like smell evolveCH₃COO⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Ester Test
Take 0.1 g salt in a test tube with ethanol and a little conc. H₂SO₄, then heat		Fruity odour of ethyl acetate is developedCH₃COO⁻ is confirmed
Ferric Chloride Test
Add neutral ferric chloride solution to the salt solution		Deep red colour appears; on heating it disappears and a brown-red precipitate formsCH₃COO⁻ is confirmed

Test of Cation

ExperimentObservationInference
Original solution + NH₄OH solutionReddish-brown precipitateGroup-III cation may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Potassium Ferrocyanide Test
Dissolve the precipitate in dilute HCl, divide into two parts and add potassium ferrocyanide to one part		Blue/Prussian blue precipitateFe³⁺ is confirmed
Potassium Thiocyanate Test
To second part add potassium thiocyanate solution		Blood-red colouration is formedFe³⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains Fe³⁺ ions as cation and CH₃COO⁻ ions as anion. The salt is Fe(CH₃COO)₃.

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.