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Analysis of Magnesium Iodide (MgI₂)

Qualitative analysis

Aim

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

Preliminary Test

  • Colour: White
  • 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 (Mg²⁺)

ExperimentObservationInference
Confirmatory Tests
If Group V is absent, add disodium hydrogen phosphate solution and scratch the inner walls with a glass rodA white crystalline precipitate of magnesium ammonium phosphate is formedMg²⁺ may be present
Magneson Test
To the alkaline solution add a drop of Magneson I reagent (p-nitrobenzeneazoresorcinol)
A blue precipitate / blue lake is formedMg²⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains Mg²⁺ as the cation (basic radical) and I⁻ as the anion (acidic radical). The salt is Magnesium Iodide (MgI₂).

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.