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Practical Chemistry appeared 8 times across 3 years — 0.9% of Chemistry. This question is from Qualitative Analysis of Cations.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 1 4 3 8

Among the following cations, the number of cations which will give characteristic precipitate in their identification tests with K₄[Fe(CN)₆] is: Cu²⁺ , Fe³⁺ , Ba²⁺ , Ca²⁺ , NH₄^+ , Mg²⁺ , Zn²⁺

Numerical Answer Type:
Enter a numerical value Answer: 3 to 3 +4 marks

Solution & Explanation

Core Logic

Potassium ferrocyanide, K₄[Fe(CN)₆], serves as a key reagent for identifying specific metal cations via diagnostic precipitation reactions:

  • Cu²⁺ yields a characteristic chocolate-brown precipitate: Cu₂[Fe(CN)₆].
  • Fe³⁺ reacts to produce an intense Prussian blue precipitate: Fe₄[Fe(CN)₆]₃.
  • Zn²⁺ forms a distinct white/grey-white precipitate: Zn₂[Fe(CN)₆].
  • (Note: While Ca²⁺ can form a complex under specific concentrated conditions, standard qualitative test protocols map the primary distinct precipitates to 3 principal metals).

    Therefore, the final integer count is 3.

Pattern Recognition

Remember the classic color transformations for ferrocyanide tests: copper shifts to chocolate brown, while iron transforms into Prussian blue.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Chemistry: Practical Chemistry

Reference Study Guides

More Practical Chemistry Previous-Year Questions

Q62 jee_main_2026_28_january_morning Griss-Ilosvay Test for Nitrite
Given below are two statements: Statement I: Griss-Ilosvay test is used for the detection of nitrite ion, which involves the use of sulphanilic acid and α-naphthylamine reagent. Statement II: In the above test, sulphanilic acid is diazotized by the acidified nitrite ion, which on further coupling with α-naphthylamine forms an azo-dye. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
  • A. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
  • B. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
  • C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
  • D. Both Statement I and Statement II are false

Solution

Core Logic

The Griss-Ilosvay test is the standard diagnostic test for Nitrite ions (NO₂^-).\nReaction sequence:\nNO₂^- + CH₃COOH arrow HNO₂ + CH₃COO^-\n1. The nitrous acid (HNO₂) diazotizes sulphanilic acid to form a diazonium salt.\n2. This diazonium salt then couples with α-naphthylamine (1-Naphthylamine) to produce a distinct red azo-dye.\n

Griss-Ilosvay Test Mechanism
Griss-Ilosvay Test Mechanism

Final Conclusion

Both statements perfectly describe the reaction mechanism and reagents for the Griss-Ilosvay test. Both are true.

Pattern Recognition

Tests utilizing diazotization followed by coupling almost always produce colored azo dyes. Knowing the name-to-reagent mapping (Griss-Ilosvay = Sulphanilic acid + Naphthylamine) guarantees the answer.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Chemistry: Principles Related to Practical Chemistry Class 12 Chemistry: Amines

Q jee_main_2025_02_april_evening Qualitative Analysis of Anions
Formation of Na₄[Fe(CN)₅NOS], a purple coloured complex formed by addition of sodium nitroprusside in sodium carbonate extract of salt indicates the presence of:
  • A. Sodium ion
  • B. Sulphate ion
  • C. Sulphide ion
  • D. Sulphite ion

Solution

Related Formula

Na₂S + Na₂[Fe(CN)₅NO] arrow Na₄[Fe(CN)₅NOS]

AI responses may include mistakes.

Core Logic

Sulphide ion (S²⁻) undergoes a qualitative verification test when reacted with sodium nitroprusside. Sodium extract of the salt containing sulphide forms sodium sulphide (Na₂S).

When sodium nitroprusside solution is added to the sodium carbonate extract, the sulphide reacts to yield a deep violet/purple coloured complex called sodium thionitroprusside:

Na₂S + Na₂[Fe(CN)₅NO] arrow Na₄[Fe(CN)₅NOS]
Step 1: Verification

This specific purple/violet reaction occurs exclusively for the identification of the Sulphide ion (S²⁻).

Pattern Recognition

Mnemonic: 'Nitroprusside turns purple for Sulphide'. This is a highly specific redox/substitution reaction of coordination complexes used inside analytical laboratory practices.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Practical Chemistry

Q41 jee_main_2025_02_april_morning Qualitative Salt Analysis Reactions
Choose the correct tests with respective observations. (A) CuSO₄ (acidified with acetic acid) + K₄[Fe(CN)₆] arrow Chocolate brown precipitate. (B) FeCl₃ + K₄[Fe(CN)₆] arrow Prussian blue precipitate. (C) ZnCl₂ + K₄[Fe(CN)₆], neutralised with NH₄OH arrow White or bluish white precipitate. (D) MgCl₂ + K₄[Fe(CN)₆] arrow Blue precipitate. (E) BaCl₂ + K₄[Fe(CN)₆], neutralised with NaOH arrow White precipitate. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
  • A. (1) A, D and E only
  • B. (2) B, D and E only
  • C. (3) A, B and C only
  • D. (4) C, D and E only

Solution

Related Formula

Precipitation equations matching standard analytical profiles:

2Cu²⁺ + [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ arrow Cu₂[Fe(CN)₆] (Chocolate Brown) 4Fe³⁺ + 3[Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ arrow Fe₄[Fe(CN)₆]₃ (Prussian Blue)
Core Logic

Let's examine each analytical chemistry reaction step row-by-row:

  • Reaction (A) produces Cu₂[Fe(CN)₆], confirming a chocolate brown residue profile (Correct).
  • Reaction (B) forms complex Fe₄[Fe(CN)₆]₃, yielding Prussian Blue coloration (Correct).
  • Reaction (C) yields potassium zinc ferrocyanide matrix K₂Zn₃[Fe(CN)₆]₂, appearing as a white or bluish-white solid precipitate (Correct).
  • Reactions (D) & (E) do not form the described colored precipitates with this reagent under regular analytical configurations.
Step 1: Selection

Thus, only tests A, B, and C provide correct observations.

Pattern Recognition

Potassium ferrocyanide K₄[Fe(CN)₆] is a vital reagent for identifying transition metal cations. Note the specific colors: Copper yields chocolate brown, Iron(III) gives Prussian blue, and Zinc forms a white solid.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Chemistry: Practical Chemistry Class 12 Chemistry: Coordination Compounds

Q31 jee_main_2025_03_april_evening Primary Standards in Volumetric Analysis
Compounds that should not be used as primary standards in titrimetric analysis are: A. Na₂Cr₂O₇ B. Oxalic acid C. NaOH D. FeSO₄ · 6H₂O E. Sodium tetraborate Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
  • A. B and D Only
  • B. D and E Only
  • C. C, D and E Only
  • D. A, C and D Only

Solution

Related Formula

A primary standard is a highly pure, stable chemical substance with a known, definite composition that can be directly weighed. It must not be hygroscopic, deliquescent, or easily oxidized by air.

Core Logic

Evaluate each substance:

  • Na₂Cr₂O₇: Highly hygroscopic (unlike K₂Cr₂O₇), absorbs water from air, composition varies arrow Cannot be used.
  • Oxalic acid: Highly stable, non-hygroscopic, definite composition arrow Can be used.
  • NaOH: Extremely hygroscopic, absorbs moisture and CO₂ from air arrow Cannot be used.
  • FeSO₄ · 6H₂O: Easily oxidized by air, unstable composition arrow Cannot be used.
  • Sodium tetraborate (Borax): Highly stable, clear hydration state arrow Can be used.
Step 1: Select incorrect standards

The compounds that should not be used are A, C, and D. This corresponds to Option (4).

Pattern Recognition

Sodium salts of di-chromate (Na₂Cr₂O₇) are highly hygroscopic, whereas potassium di-chromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) is non-hygroscopic and works as an excellent primary standard. Deliquescent bases like NaOH and easily oxidized transition metal salts like Mohr's salt counterparts can never serve as primary standards.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Chemistry: Practical Chemistry

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JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%) | JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%)