Notebook Theme

Experiment No. N

Analysis of Zinc Oxalate (Zn²⁺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 solutionNo reactionZero group cation is absent
Original Salt + Dil. HClNo reactionFirst group cation is absent
Original Salt + Dil. HCl + NH₄Cl solid + NH₄OH solutionNo reactionThird group cation is absent
Original Salt + Dil. HCl + NH₄Cl solid + NH₄OH solution + H₂SO₄Dirty white pptPresence of Zn²⁺ may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Sodium Hydroxide Test
Salt solution + NaOH solution drop wise
White ppt dissolved in HClPresence of Zn²⁺ is confirmed
Potassium Ferrocyanide Test
Salt solution + K₄[Fe(CN)₆] solution
Bluish-white pptPresence of Zn²⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains Zn²⁺ ions as cation and C₂O₄²⁻ ions as anion. The salt is Zn²⁺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.