Systematic Semi-Micro Qualitative Analysis of an Unknown Inorganic Salt Mixture: Identification of Acid and Basic Radicals Including Metal Mo³⁺

Volume 14, Issue 55, 2025 (July – September)

Research Article
Systematic Semi-Micro Qualitative Analysis of an Unknown Inorganic Salt Mixture: Identification of Acid and Basic Radicals Including Metal Mo³⁺
Nischal Adhikari, Goma Timilsina, Purushotam Mishra
Keywords: Chemical identification of inorganic substances, Inorganic qualitative analysis, Anions and cations detection, Systematic identification, Carbonate analysis, molybdenum detection, Acid and Basic radicals.
DOI:10.37273/chesci.cs062056081

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Abstract

This study aimed to systematically identify anions and cations present in an unknown inorganic salt mixture (S4) using semi-micro qualitative analysis, through careful observation of numerous chemical reactions. The sample was analyzed based on color, state, and solubility (white, crystalline, and partially soluble in water). Various tests, such as dry test and wet test were done to detect anions, like BaCl₂ and AgNO₃. Various group analysis techniques, such as separation technique, selective precipitation, and complex ion formation were used to detect cations. The confirmatory tests were performed to identify both anions and cations, such as carbonate (CO₃²⁻), sulfate (SO₄²⁻) and nitrate (NO₃⁻) as anions and for cations such as ammonium (NH₄⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and zinc (Zn²⁺). Similarly, this study is notable for the identification of Mo³⁺which is a rarely encountered transition metal ion in routine salt mixtures, highlighting the value of classical methods in detecting uncommon cations and was identified using confirmatory tests. A well-designed experiment shows the organized identification of a variety of radicals present in an inorganic salt mixture using qualitative techniques, highlighting the importance of systematic procedure in analytical chemistry.

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