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Experiment No. N

Analysis of Magnesium Oxalate (Mg²⁺C₂O₄²⁻)

Aim

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

Preliminary Test

  • Odor: Odorless
  • Texture: Crystalline
  • Color: White
  • Solubility: Slightly soluble in water

Test of Anion

ExperimentObservationInference
Salt + dilute H₂SO₄No reactionDilute H₂SO₄ group is absent
Salt + Conc H₂SO₄Evolution of colorless gasC₂O₄²⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Test
KMnO₄ Test
Salt + Conc H₂SO₄ + KMnO₄ solution
KMnO₄ decolorizesPresence of C₂O₄²⁻ anion is confirmed

Test of Cation

ExperimentObservationInference
Salt solution + NaOH solutionWhite precipitateMg²⁺ may be present
Confirmatory Test
Magneson Test
Salt solution + Magneson reagent + NaOH solution
Blue lake formationPresence of Mg²⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains Mg²⁺ ions as cation and C₂O₄²⁻ ions as anion. The salt is Mg²⁺C₂O₄²⁻.

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.