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Experiment No. N

Analysis of Ammonium Acetate (NH₄⁺CH₃COO⁻)

Aim

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

Preliminary Test

  • Odor: Vinegar-like
  • Texture: Crystalline
  • Color: White
  • Solubility: Soluble in water

Test of Anion

ExperimentObservationInference
Salt + Dilute H₂SO₄No reactionDilute H₂SO₄ group is absent
Salt + Conc. H₂SO₄Vapours with vinegar-like smell evolveCH₃COO⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Oxalic Acid Test
Take pinch of salt on palm and pinch of oxalic acid and 2-3 drops of water and make a paste		Strong vinegar-like smell is obtainedPresence of CH₃COO⁻ is confirmed
Ferric Chloride Test
Salt Solution + FeCl₃ solution		Reddish-brown ppt is obtainedPresence of CH₃COO⁻ 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 CH₃COO⁻ ions as anion. The salt is NH₄⁺CH₃COO⁻.

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.