ACS Publication journal. 10.1021/ed085p1099.

(2008)

Greener Alternative to Qualitative Analysis for Cations without H2S and

Other Sulfur-Containing Compounds

Indu Tucker Sidhwani and Sushmita Chowdhury

Department of Chemistry, Gargi College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110049, India
J. Chem. Educ., 2008, 85 (8), p 1099
DOI: 10.1021/ed085p1099
Publication Date (Web): August 1, 2008

Abstract
Qualitative analysis of inorganic salts and mixtures is an essential experiment carried out in high school,
undergraduate, and postgraduate levels all over the world especially in India and South Asia. The
classical technique uses H2S, which is highly toxic and has adverse effects on humans and the
environment. Increasing awareness concerning a healthy environment has prompted us to develop a
green scheme for detection of cations. NH4+ and K+ are detected directly in group zero. Pb2+ and
Ag+ are detected in group I as chlorides using dilute HCl. Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, and Pb2+ are precipitated in
group II as sulfates using Na2SO4(aq) and ethanol. Cu2+, Cd2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Mg2+ are
precipitated as hydroxides using NaOH and H2O2 in group III. The precipitate is treated with NH3(aq)
leaving a residue (group IIIA: Fe3+, Mn2+, Mg2+ as hydroxides) and the centrifugate (group IIIB: Cu2+,
Cd2+, Ni2+, Co2+ as soluble ammines). Al3+, Zn2+, Sn2+/Sn4+ (as soluble hydroxo complexes), and
Cr3+ (as CrO42-) are detected in group IV, in the presence of each other by using selective reagents.
The separation is sharp; individual cations are detected by spot tests and conventional methods. This
scheme is simple and fast and makes green chemistry accessible to students.

Keywords : First-Year Undergraduate / General, Analytical Chemistry, Green Chemistry, Hands-On

Learning / Manipulatives, Green Chemistry

Introduction

Qualitative chemical analysis, branch of chemistry that deals with the identification of elements or
grouping of elements present in a sample. The techniques employed in qualitative analysis vary in
complexity, depending on the nature of the sample. In some cases it is necessary only to verify the
presence of certain elements or groups for which specific tests applicable directly to the sample
(e.g.,flame tests, spot tests) may be available. More often the sample is a complex mixture, and a
systematic analysis must be made in order that all the constituents may be identified. It is customary to
classify the methods into two classes: qualitative inorganic analysis and qualitative organic analysis.
Qualitative analysis is a securities analysis that uses subjective judgment based on unquantifiable
information, such as management expertise, industry cycles, strength of research and development, and