Qualitative Analysis in Chemistry

Identifying Anions and Cations

Test tubes
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Qualitative analysis is used to identify and separate cations and anions in a sample substance. Unlike quantitative analysis, which seeks to determine the quantity or amount of sample, qualitative analysis is a descriptive form of analysis. In an educational setting, the concentrations of the ions to be identified are approximately 0.01 M in an aqueous solution. The "semimicro" level of qualitative analysis employs methods used to detect 1-2 mg of an ion in 5 mL of solution.

While there are qualitative analysis methods used to identify covalent molecules, most covalent compounds can be identified and distinguished from each other using physical properties, such as refractive index and melting point.

Lab Techniques for Semi-Micro Qualitative Analysis

It's easy to contaminate the sample through poor laboratory technique, so it's important to adhere to certain rules:

  • Do not use tap water. Rather, use distilled water or deionized water.
  • Glassware must be clean prior to use. It's not essential that it be dried.
  • Don't put a reagent dropper tip into the mouth of a test tube. Dispense reagent from above the test tube lip to avoid contamination.
  • Mix solutions by flicking the test tube. Never cover the test tube with a finger and shake the tube. Avoid exposing yourself to the sample.

Steps of Qualitative Analysis

  • If the sample is presented as a solid (salt), it's important to note the shape and color of any crystals. 
  • Reagents are used to separate cations into groups of related elements.
  • Ions in a group are separated from each other. After each separation stage, a test is performed to confirm certain ions truly were removed. The test is not performed on the original sample!
  • Separations rely on different characteristics of ions. These may involve redox reactions to change oxidation state, differential solubility in an acid, base, or water, or precipitating certain ions.

Sample Qualitative Analysis Protocol

First, ions are removed in groups from the initial aqueous solution. After each group has been separated, then testing is conducted for the individual ions in each group. Here is a common grouping of cations:

Group I: Ag+, Hg22+, Pb2+
Precipitated in 1 M HCl

Group II: Bi3+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Hg2+, (Pb2+), Sb3+ and Sb5+, Sn2+ and Sn4+
Precipitated in 0.1 M H2S solution at pH 0.5

Group III: Al3+, (Cd2+), Co2+, Cr3+, Fe2+ and Fe3+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+
Precipitated in 0.1 M H2S solution at pH 9

Group IV: Ba2+, Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Na+, NH4+
Ba2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ are precipitated in 0.2 M (NH4)2CO3 solution at pH 10; the other ions are soluble

Many reagents are used in the qualitative analysis, but only a few are involved in nearly every group procedure. The four most commonly used reagents are 6M HCl, 6M HNO3, 6M NaOH, 6M NH3. Understanding the uses of the reagents is helpful when planning an analysis.

Common Qualitative Analysis Reagents

Reagent Effects
6M HCl Increases [H+]
Increases [Cl-]
Decreases [OH-]
Dissolves insoluble carbonates, chromates, hydroxides, some sulfates
Destroys hydroxo and NH3 complexes
Precipitates insoluble chlorides
6M HNO3 Increases [H+]
Decreases [OH-]
Dissolves insoluble carbonates, chromates, and hydroxides
Dissolves insoluble sulfides by oxidizing sulfide ion
Destroys hydroxo and ammonia complexes
Good oxidizing agent when hot
6 M NaOH Increases [OH-]
Decreases [H+]
Forms hydroxo complexes
Precipitates insoluble hydroxides
6M NH3 Increases [NH3]
Increases [OH-]
Decreases [H+]
Precipitates insoluble hydroxides
Forms NH3 complexes
Forms a basic buffer with NH4+
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Qualitative Analysis in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/qualitative-analysis-in-chemistry-608171. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2023, April 5). Qualitative Analysis in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/qualitative-analysis-in-chemistry-608171 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Qualitative Analysis in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/qualitative-analysis-in-chemistry-608171 (accessed March 28, 2024).