Notebook Theme

Experiment No. N

Analysis of Magnesium Carbonate (Mg²⁺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 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 CO₃²⁻ ions as anion. The salt is Mg²⁺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.