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Experiment No. N

Analysis of Magnesium Hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂)

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
Universal IndicatorSolution turns blue or purpleOH⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Test
Phenolphthalein Test
Add phenolphthalein indicator to salt solution
Solution turns pinkOH⁻ is confirmed

Test of Cation

ExperimentObservationInference
Confirmatory Test
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⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains Mg²⁺ ions as cation and OH⁻ ions as anion. The salt is Mg(OH)₂.

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.