Notebook Theme

Experiment No. N

Analysis of Strontium Acetate (Sr(CH₃COO)₂)

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
Take 0.1 g salt + dilute H₂SO₄Colourless vapours with vinegar-like smell evolveCH₃COO⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Ester Test
Take 0.1 g salt in a test tube with ethanol and a little conc. H₂SO₄, then heat
Fruity odour of ethyl acetate is developedCH₃COO⁻ is confirmed
Ferric Chloride Test
Add neutral ferric chloride solution to the salt solution
Deep red colour appears; on heating it disappears and a brown-red precipitate formsCH₃COO⁻ is confirmed

Test of Cation

ExperimentObservationInference
Original solution + Dilute HClNo reactionGroup I cation is absent
Original solution + Dilute HCl + H₂S gas (with NH₄Cl)No reactionGroup II cation is absent
Original solution + Dilute HCl + NH₄Cl solid + NH₄OHNo reactionGroup III cation is absent
Original solution + NH₄Cl + NH₄OH + (NH₄)₂CO₃White precipitate is formedGroup V cation may be present
Confirmatory Test
Ammonium Sulphate Test
Dissolve white precipitate in dilute acetic acid and add ammonium sulphate solution
White precipitateSr²⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains Sr²⁺ ions as cation and CH₃COO⁻ ions as anion. The salt is Sr(CH₃COO)₂.

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.