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Analysis of Manganese(II) Nitrite (Mn(NO₂)₂)

Qualitative analysis

Aim

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

Preliminary Test

  • Colour: Pale pink
  • Odour: Odourless
  • State: Crystalline solid
  • Solubility: Soluble in water

Test of Anion (NO₂⁻)

ExperimentObservationInference
Warm the solid salt with dilute H₂SO₄Brown fumes of NO₂ are evolvedNO₂⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Potassium Iodide Starch Test
Take evolved gas and add KI + starch solution acidified with acetic acid
Blue colour appearsNO₂⁻ is confirmed
Sulphanilic Acid / 1-Naphthylamine Test
Acidify 1 mL of water extract with acetic acid and add sulphanilic acid solution followed by 1-naphthylamine reagent
Red colour is formedNO₂⁻ is confirmed

Test of Cation (Mn²⁺)

ExperimentObservationInference
Original solution + H₂S gas in presence of NH₄OHBlack or flesh-coloured precipitate is formedGroup IV cation may be present
Confirmatory Test
Sodium Hydroxide Test
Dissolve the precipitate in dilute HCl by boiling and add NaOH in excess
White precipitate forms first, then turns brown on standingPresence of Mn²⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains Mn²⁺ as the cation (basic radical) and NO₂⁻ as the anion (acidic radical). The salt is Manganese(II) Nitrite (Mn(NO₂)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.