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Experiment No. N

Analysis of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

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
Flame test in a clean non-luminous flameIntense yellow flameNa⁺ may be present
Confirmatory Test
Zinc Uranyl Acetate Test
Take a filtrate and add zinc uranyl acetate solution
Yellow crystalline precipitateNa⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains Na⁺ ions as cation and OH⁻ ions as anion. The salt is NaOH.

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.