IV.

QUALITATIVE INORGANIC ANALYSIS

Qualitative analysis is a way to identify an unknown substance by passing samples of it through a series
of chemical tests. The flowchart is based on known chemical reactions, so that each added chemical will
test for a specific cation. If the predicted reaction occurs (such as the formation of a precipitate), the
cation is present. If no reaction occurs, the analyst moves to the next cation test.

A systematic wet method qualitative analysis of inorganic ions proceeds by separating the ions into
groups by selective precipitation reactions, isolating individual ions in the groups by an additional
precipitation reaction, and confirming the identity of the ion by a reaction test that gives a specific
precipitate or color. Several schemes exist for doing this, with cations (positively charged ions) and with
anions (negatively charged ions). Table 3 is an abbreviated scheme for the analysis of environmentally
important cations of metallic elements.

V. QUALITATIVE ORGANIC ANALYSIS

Organic analysis relies on certain chemical reactions to detect particular functional groups, such as
alcohol, amine, aldehyde, olefin, ester, carboxylic acid, and ether (see Chemistry, Organic). The test
reactions are usually employed without prior separation. As an example, olefins (compounds containing
carbon-carbon double bonds) can be identified by the bleaching effect they have on a colored bromine
solution. For both organic and inorganic qualitative analysis, instrumental methods are currently
preferred because they are more sensitive and specific.

VI. QUANTITATIVE WET METHODS

These are mainly gravimetric and titrimetric procedures for inorganic substances. An example of a
gravimetric analysis is the determination of chloride ion concentration in a solution by causing the
precipitation of insoluble silver chloride (AgCl). The precipitate is then collected and weighed. The
analysis yields very accurate results.

Titrimetric procedures are commonly based on acid-base reactions such as the titration of acetic acid
with a solution of sodium hydroxide (see Acids and Bases). Another common reaction employed is that
of a complexing agent, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), with solutions of metal ions,
such as lead or mercury. Reactions suitable for titrations must proceed rapidly to completion, without
side reactions that tend to obscure the results. This requirement is more often satisfied by inorganic
reactions than by organic functional group chemistry.

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