PRECIPITATES
When 2 aqueous solutions are mixed together and an insoluble compound is formed, this is known as
precipitate, not a suspension.
The observation that a precipitate is formed should always be accompanied by the colour of the ppt even if it is
white.
Some reagents should be added until they are in excess. This may result in a ppt forming and then dissolving in
excess reagent.
Students should assume that aqueous NaOH should be added until it is in excess even if it is not stated in
instruction.
Dilute aqueous NH3 when added to a solution containing a cation that will form the same hydroxide as
NaOH solution.
Excess NH3(aq) may dissolve the ppt to form a complex ion [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+. Students must assume
that NH3(aq) must be added until in excess.
OBS. ON ADDING EXCESS DIL.
OBS. ON ADDING DIL. NH3 (AQ) LIKELY ION
NH3 (AQ)
Ppt dissolves to give green
Green ppt Chromium (III)
solution.
Off-white ppt which darkens to
Ppt is insoluble Manganese (II)
exposure to air
Green ppt which turns brown on
Ppt is insoluble Iron (II)
exposure to air
Brown ppt Ppt is insoluble Iron (III)
Reducing agents usually decolourise aqueous acidified KMnO4 (purple) and may also turn aqueous K2Cr2O7
from orange to green.Reducing agents:
Oxidizing agents usually liberate Iodine as a brown solution or black solid from aqueous Potassium Iodide (KI).
Iodine solution gives a blue black colouration with starch.
Oxidizing agents:
Acidified Manganate (VII) ions
Acidified Dichromate (VI) ions
H2O2