Notebook Theme

Analysis of Manganese(II) Sulphide (MnS)

Qualitative analysis

Aim

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

Preliminary Test

  • Colour: Pale pink
  • Odour: Rotten eggs
  • State: Crystalline solid
  • Solubility: Insoluble in water

Test of Anion (S²⁻)

ExperimentObservationInference
Warm the salt with dilute H₂SO₄Colourless gas with smell of rotten eggs is evolvedS²⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Lead Acetate Test
Pass gas through filter paper dipped in lead acetate solution
Paper turns blackS²⁻ is confirmed
Sodium Nitroprusside Test
Make solution alkaline with NH₄OH (or sodium carbonate extract) and add sodium nitroprusside solution
Purple/violet colouration is producedS²⁻ 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 S²⁻ as the anion (acidic radical). The salt is Manganese(II) Sulphide (MnS).

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.