Lab 16: Identification of Anions and Cations

Abstract: This investigation determined the ions in an unknown solution through the
application of chemical tests.

October 22nd, 2011

Jaime Lopez
Lab Partner: Jason Huang

Introduction: We conducted laboratory analysis to determine the ionic composition of an

unknown solution. In effect, we are chemical detectives. These tests are called qualitive
analysis. We became, in effect, chemical detectives. The tests we ran are solutions of

unknown ions, which were subjected to many tests, such as burning, and then an
analyzation of the byproducts such as gas, color change, and formation of water droplets.
A comparison test was then done with a known ionic solution. These tests are accurate
due to the fact that no two ions have the exact same reaction to chemicals.
Procedure: The lab was split into two days. On the first day, we first set water to heat up.
We then tested each individual ion compared to our unknown. For the first day, we
typically added twenty or so drops of the known and unknown into two separate test
tubes. Then, we added a reactant, such as nitric or hydrochloric acid, to get a reaction
from both products. For PO3-4, we also added a water bath to heat the solutions inside the
test tube for five minutes or so. Then we let them cool, and we observed.
On day two, we preformed much the same tests, adding the known and unknown
solutions into two separate tests tubes, and then adding acid. However, in one instance,
after burning a solution, we used litmus paper to get a color change, careful not to touch
the sides and we also preformed additional water baths.
Data and Observations:
Ion

Test
Reagents/Test
Procedure

Test Results for

Solutions with
Ion

Test Results for

Unknown
Solution #9

Is Ion Present
in Unknown?

Cl-

HNO3 , AgNO3

White, cloudy

No

So-24

6M HCl (Acid),
BaCl
HCl (Acid)

White, cloudy

Yellow,
cloudy,
formation of
solid
Deep yellow
Rippled

No

Remained
same color
(yellow)
Blackish
substance,
(possible
yellow solid,
possibly
improper
cleaning)
Horrible
smell, same
flame as
original
Bad smell,
same flame
as original
Yellow-orange
Slight blue

No

HCO-3

Bubbled,
rippled
Clear solid,
color change
to yellow
Blackish
substance

PO-34

HNo3, ((NH4)2
MoO4

Fe3+

((H2)SI4)3,
KSCN

Na+

Wet Q-Tip

Yellow colored
flame

K+

Ca2+
NH+4

Na2C2O4
NaOH

Pinkish/salmo
n colored
flame
Foggy, clear
Slight blue

No

Yes

No

No
No
Yes

I noticed that many of the solutions had slight differences only when they reacted.
However theses differences meant that they could not be the same compound, because
they had to be exactly alike in order to be considered the same solution.
Identification of Unknown: From our experiments, we were able to determine that our
compound formula was (NH4)3Fe3 and the name of our compound is Ammonium Iron ion.
Analysis: We received this conclusion after we matched the colors of the products after
they were subjected to tests. In each case, they had the exact same reaction, which is only
possible if they are the exact same ion. They only possible reason for an incorrect ion
would be the possible yellow substance present in the anion, Fe3, although its possible
that the test tube was improperly cleaned, which is our own error.
Conclusion: In conclusion, we attempted to and succeeded in, identifying anions and
cations, and then naming the compound that was formed as a result. We learned how now
that careful observation is important in getting a correct result, and that some chemical
reactions are not permanent and may change rapidly, thus causing an incorrect test result.