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Experiment No. N

Analysis of Ammonium Oxalate (NH₄⁺C₂O₄²⁻)

Aim

To determine the presence of anion and cation in the given salt

Preliminary Test

  • Odor: Odorless
  • Texture: Crystalline
  • Color: White
  • Solubility: Slightly soluble in water

Test of Anion

ExperimentObservationInference
Salt + dilute H₂SO₄No reactionDilute H₂SO₄ group is absent
Salt + Conc H₂SO₄Evolution of colorless gasC₂O₄²⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Test
KMnO₄ Test
Salt + Conc H₂SO₄ + KMnO₄ solution		KMnO₄ decolorizesPresence of C₂O₄²⁻ anion is confirmed

Test of Cation

ExperimentObservationInference
Salt + NaOH solutionEvolution of vapours with ammonical smellNH₄⁺ may be present
Bring glass rod dipped in conc. HCl near the mouth of the test tubeDense white fumes evolveNH₄⁺ may be present
Confirmatory Test
Nessler's Reagent Test
Salt solution + Nessler's reagent		Reddish-brown ppt is obtainedPresence of NH₄⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains NH₄⁺ ions as cation and C₂O₄²⁻ ions as anion. The salt is NH₄⁺C₂O₄²⁻.

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.