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Experiment No. N

Analysis of Potassium Sulfate ((K)₂SO₄)

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
Confirmatory Tests
If no earlier anion test is positive, acidify the extract with dilute HCl and add BaCl₂ solutionWhite precipitate of barium sulphate, insoluble in conc. HCl or conc. HNO₃ is obtainedSO₄²⁻ may be present
Lead Acetate Test
Acidify the solution with acetic acid and add lead acetate solution		White precipitate appearsPresence of SO₄²⁻ is confirmed

Test of Cation

ExperimentObservationInference
Flame test in a clean non-luminous flameLilac flameK⁺ may be present
Confirmatory Test
Sodium Cobaltinitrite Test
Salt solution + sodium cobaltinitrite reagent		Yellow precipitateK⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains K⁺ ions as cation and SO₄²⁻ ions as anion. The salt is (K)₂SO₄.

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.