Test for Unknown Acidic Radical 7 Virtual Lab Simulation

General Aim

Identification of some acidic radicals in their salts.

Method

Determination of some acidic radicals in their salts through chemical identification tests.

Learning Objectives ILO

• Students understand various tests to identify the anion present in a given salt.

• Students understand the chemical reactions that take place during each test.

• Students acquire the skill to perform the experiment in a real lab once they understand the different steps in the procedure.

Theoretical Background

The acid radicals were separated into three groups according to their behavior towards dil. HCl and Conc. H₂SO₄.

• Group 1 acid radicals evolving gases with dil. HCl: carbonates (CO₃^2-), bicarbonates (HCO₃^-), sulphides (S^2-), sulphites (SO₃^2-), and thiosulphate (S₂O₃^2-).
• Group 2 acid radicals responding to Conc. H₂SO₄: chlorides (Cl^-), bromides (Br^-), and iodides (I^-).
• Group 3 acid radicals unaffected by both acids: sulphates (SO₄^2-), and phosphates (PO₄^3-).

First, a principle test for the group is carried out to determine which group the acidic radical belongs to. Afterwards, a set of confirmatory tests are carried out to identify the acidic radical.
 

Principle Of Work

Identification of acidic radicals and classifying them according to a set of principal and confirmatory chemical tests.