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Experiment No. N

Analysis of Ammonium Chloride (NH₄⁺Cl⁻)

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
To dry salt, dilute H₂SO₄ is addedNo reactionDilute H₂SO₄ group is absent
Salt + Conc H₂SO₄Colorless gas with pungent smell evolvesCl⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Test
Silver Nitrate Test
Salt Solution + Dilute HNO₃ + AgNO₃ solution		White ppt soluble in NH₄OHPresence of Cl⁻ 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 Cl⁻ ions as anion. The salt is NH₄⁺Cl⁻.

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.