Name: ________________________________________ Hour: _____ Date: ________________

Qualitative Analysis of Net Ionic Reactions 37

Qualitative analysis was introduced in Experiment 18 as the process of separating and identifying
chemical elements. In developing a process of analysis, the chemist looks for unique properties
which can be used to identify and separate one element from another. The analytical process
considered here takes place in aqueous solutions and includes the use of many basic chemical
principles such as acid-base, solubility, equilibrium, and complex ion formation reactions.

To describe the chemical changes in analysis, it is customary for chemists to use net ionic
equations. In net ionic equations only those ions taking part in the reaction are written. Other ions
present in the solution but not involved in the reaction are known as spectator ions and are not
included in the equation. For example, a reaction between an aqueous acid, HCl, and an
aqueous base, NaOH, would have the ionic equation

H3O+ + Cl- + Na+ + OH- H2O(l) + Na+ + Cl-

The only chemical change occurring is the formation of H2O from H3O+ and OH-. Sodium and
chloride ions are spectator ions and may be dropped from the equation. The remaining ions form
the net ionic equation

H3O+ + OH- 2H2O(l)

Similarly, a solubility reaction between aqueous solutions of CaCl 2 and K2CO3 would have the
equation

Ca2+ + 2Cl- 2 2K+ + CO32- CaCO3(c) + 2K+ + 2Cl-

The net ionic equation would be

Ca2+ + CO32- CaCO3(c)

It is important to note, that substances occurring in a reaction in molecular form are written as
molecules. For example, in the formation of a complex ion, a high concentration of aqueous
ammonia will react with Cu2+ to form tetraammine copper (II) ions, Cu(NH 3)42+. The net ionic
equation would be

4NH3 + Cu2+ Cu(NH3)42+

In this experiment, you will conduct a series of tests on solutions containing the metal ions Pb 2+,
Ag+, and Hg22+ in an attempt to isolate chemical characteristics which can be used to identify the
metals.

Objectives
In this experiment you will:
Conduct a series of chemical tests on solutions containing Pb2+, Ag+, and Hg22+ ions;
Write net ionic equations for each reaction;
Describe and explain any equilibrium change; and,
Propose an analysis scheme for the three metals.

Equipment
Three to six test tubes (13 X 100 mm)
A dropper pipet
Procedure
CAUTION: Ammonia and lead and mercury compounds are poisonous. AgNO3, HCl, NH3, and HNO3 cause
severe burns. Avoid skin contact with these compounds!

1. Obtain three test tubes. Place 3 mL
portions of 0.1 M solutions of Pb(NO3)2 in
one test tube, AgNO3 in a second test tube,
and Hg2(NO3)2 in the third test tube. Label
the test tubes for the solution in each.
6. Let the two test tubes containing the
Hg22+ and the Ag precipitates cool.
Decant the liquid, taking care to retain
most of the precipitate. (Centrifuge
before decanting if possible.)

2. Add about 1 mL of 6 M HCl to each test 7. Add about 3 mL of 6 M NH3(aq) solution to

tube and observe the results. Record your each test tube. Agitate the test tubes.
observations for the reaction in each test Note the results.
tube.

3. Let the precipitates settle. (Use a centrifuge 8. To the test tube in which the precipitate
if one is available.) Decant the liquid from dissolved, add about 4 mL of 6 M HNO3.
all three test tubes. Retain the precipitates. Record your observations.
The decanted liquid may be discarded.

4. Add about 2 mL of distilled water to each

test tube. Place the test tubes in hot water
bath. Are any of the precipitates soluble in
hot water?

5. Using your dropper pipet, remove a few

drops of the clear solution from the test
tube containing the precipitate which is
most soluble in water. Transfer the drops of
solution to a clean test tube. Add a few
drops of 0.1 M K2CrO4 to the solution.
Record your observations.

Analysis

1. Propose an analytical scheme for separating and identifying Pb2+, Ag+, and Hg22+.

2. Write balanced net ionic equations for all chemical reactions which occurred in this
experiment.

Conclusions

1. Upon what chemical characteristic is the separation of the Pb2+ ion from the Hg22+ and Ag+
ions based?

2. Upon what chemical property is the separation of Hg22+ and Ag+ ions based?

3. Would NH3(aq) be classified as an acid or a base? Explain.