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Analysis of Zinc Nitrite (Zn(NO₂)₂)

Qualitative analysis

Aim

To analyse the given inorganic salt for one acidic and one basic radical.

Preliminary Test

  • Colour: White
  • Odour: Odourless
  • State: Crystalline solid
  • Solubility: Soluble in water

Test of Anion (NO₂⁻)

ExperimentObservationInference
Warm the solid salt with dilute H₂SO₄Brown fumes of NO₂ are evolvedNO₂⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Potassium Iodide Starch Test
Take evolved gas and add KI + starch solution acidified with acetic acid
Blue colour appearsNO₂⁻ is confirmed
Sulphanilic Acid / 1-Naphthylamine Test
Acidify 1 mL of water extract with acetic acid and add sulphanilic acid solution followed by 1-naphthylamine reagent
Red colour is formedNO₂⁻ is confirmed

Test of Cation (Zn²⁺)

ExperimentObservationInference
Original solution + H₂S gas in presence of NH₄OHWhite precipitate is formedGroup IV cation may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Sodium Hydroxide Test
Add sodium hydroxide solution dropwise
White precipitate forms and dissolves in excess NaOH on heatingZn²⁺ is confirmed
Potassium Ferrocyanide Test
After neutralisation with NH₄OH, add potassium ferrocyanide solution
Bluish-white precipitateZn²⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains Zn²⁺ as the cation (basic radical) and NO₂⁻ as the anion (acidic radical). The salt is Zinc Nitrite (Zn(NO₂)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.