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DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

Advanced level practical workbook

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A’ level chemistry examinations consist of three papers i.e. P525/1, P525/2 and P525/3.

Paper 3 (P525/3) is usually practical paper which is done in 3 hours. This paper consists of
three questions which are set from the three branches of chemistry as below;

Question 1: Physical chemistry

Question 2: Inorganic chemistry

Question 3: Organic chemistry

This simplified workbook consists of two parts i.e. inorganic and organic qualitative
analysis with worked examples and exercise questions. It also contains short explained and
guiding notes which a student should read and understand.

For equations, refer to notes of theory and construct them in the spaces provided.

A good student does research and reads beyond what has been given in class; so be one but
not a master of complaints always.

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Part 1. INORGANIC QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Introduction
Qualitative analysis is branch of practical chemistry which deals with the identification of ions that
are present in a substance by carrying out several chemical tests on it. There are two types of ions
in ionic or electrovalent compound i.e. cations and anions.

Cations
These are positively charged ions. They are categorised into two major groups i.e. non-transition
metal ions (non- coloured cations) and transitional metal ions (coloured cations).

a) Non-transition metal ions (non- coloured cations)

These form white compounds and colourless solutions when dissolved. They include;
Lead(II) ions, Pb2+
Magnesium ions, Mg2+
Aluminium ions, Al3+
Ammonium ions, NH4+
Calcium ions, Ca2+
Zinc ions, Zn2+
Barium ions, Ba2+

Others may include;

tin(II) (Sn2+), tin(IV) (Sn4+) and silver ions (Ag+).
b) Transitional metal ions (coloured cations)
These form coloured compounds and coloured solutions when dissolved. They include;
Iron(III) ions, Fe3+
Iron(II) ions, Fe2+
Copper(II) ions, Cu2+
Manganese(II) ions, Mn2+
Nickel(II) ions, Ni2+

Other may include: Chromium(III) ions, Cr3+

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Anions
These are negatively charged ions. They include;

Sulphate ions, SO42-

Carbonate ions, CO32-
Chloride ions, Cl 
Nitrate ions, NO3-
Hydrogencarbonate ions, HCO3-
Iodide ions, I-
Bromide ions, Br-
Ethanoate ions or acetate ions, CH3COO-
Oxalate ions, C2O42-

Others include;

Nitrite ions (NO2-), Sulphite ions (SO32-)

 Important to note

In qualitative analysis experiments, there is always a table which consists of three columns.
Test/procedure being the first column followed by observation and then conclusion/deduction/
inference as illustrated below.

Tests/procedure Observations Deductions/conclusion/inferences

 Tests: These are instructions given to the students stating what to do on the unknown
substances or its solution in order to identify the ions present in it.
NB; In case the student is asked to carry out a test of his/her own choice to identify or
confirm an anion or a cation present in the unknown compound, the student has to write
the test he or she has performed to identify or confirm the ion asked.
 Observation: This is what is seen or identified by a student during and after carrying out
a test. Observations should be short statements that are well summarized.

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 Deduction/conclusion/inference: These are facts derived from observations and can lead
to the correct identification of the ions present in the unknown substance. The deductions
should correspond to the stated observations that is should follow the order in which
observations are written.
NB: No correct deduction(s) is/are awarded any mark(s) if the corresponding
observation(s) is/are wrong.

PRELIMINARY TESTS

These are tests that give us a clue/hint or general guidelines on the nature of the substance being
analysed. Preliminary tests are majorly based on the following aspects i.e.

 Physical appearance of the substance

 Solubility of the substance
 Action of heat on the substance
 Use of common reagents such as NaOH(aq), NH3(aq), Na2CO3(aq), Pb(NO3)2(aq) etc.

a) Appearance of the substance

The appearance of a substance based on the colour and texture of the substance given. The texture
of the solid depends whether the solid is crystalline or powdery.

In terms of colour, the solid may be white, green, blue, pick/red, brown, yellow or orange, purple,
violet, etc. If the solid is white, then it consists of non-transition metal ions. However, if the solid
is coloured, then it consists of transition metal ions with its specific colour

Summary of the colours of given substance.

Colour Deductions
White Non-transitional metal ions
Green Fe2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Cr3+.
Blue Hydrated Cu2+ salt.
Brown Fe2+ or Fe3+
Black Cu2+ or Ni2+ or Fe2+ or Mn2+
Pink (not visible in solution) Mn2+

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Violet Cr3+
Note;

1. In case the solid is crystalline, it has got water of crystallisation and this should be reflected
in that part of heating because water is given off.
2. In case of making deductions about the colour of any unknown solid given, ALWAYS
write cations because they (cations) are the ones that influence the colour of the solid.

b) Solubility of the substance given

Since qualitative analysis is mainly carried out in aqueous solutions, there is need to know which
salts are soluble in water and those that are insoluble.

A student may be asked to dissolve a sample of the solid given in water and he or she is expected
to make some observations and deductions. The sample may not dissolve in water but dissolves in
acid. Soluble and insoluble salts are given below.

 All nitrates are soluble in water.

 All sulphates are soluble in water except those of barium and lead; Calcium and silver
sulphates are sparing soluble.
 All carbonates are insoluble in water except those of sodium, potassium and ammonium.
 All hydrogen carbonates are soluble in water
 All ethanoates or acetates are soluble in water
 All halides (Chlorides, Iodides and Bromides) are soluble in water except those of silver
and lead. Halides of lead are sparing soluble in warm or hot water but insoluble in cold
water.
 All chromates are soluble in water except those of lead, barium and silver. Calcium
chromate is sparing soluble.
 All oxalates are insoluble in water except those of sodium, potassium and ammonium.
 All nitrites are soluble in water except silver nitrite which is sparing soluble
 All sulphites are soluble in water except those of lead, barium and silver.

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Making a test solution

Procedure

Dissolve a little of the substance provided e.g. a spatula endful in about 5 or 10 cm3 of water.
Shake the test tube well until the substance dissolves. The solution obtained is now your test
solution.

Summary of the colour of solutions formed by different compounds

Observations (colour of solution) Deductions

Colourless Non-transitional metal ions
Green Fe2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Cr3+.
Blue Cu2+
Brown Fe3+
Pink (not visible in solution) Mn2+
Note;

1. All soluble white compounds dissolve in water to form colourless solutions whereas
soluble coloured (transition) compounds form solutions corresponding to their colours
when dissolved in water.
2. Dilute nitric acid, sulphuric acid or hydrochloric acid can be used to dissolve insoluble salts
and they also form solutions depending on the colour of the solid given.
3. If the substance is insoluble or partially soluble then filtering may be done. When filtering
is performed, the colour of residue and filtrate must be stated with respective deduction(s).

c) Action of heat on substances

Here, candidates are instructed to heat a small quantity (usually spatula end-ful) of a solid
substance in a dry clean glass tube strongly until there is no further change. A candidate is supposed
to note the following while heating:

i) Evolution of a gas;

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Gases may be evolved and can be identified using their smell, action on a glowing splint, effect on
litmus paper or any specific reagent for that particular gas given off.

Identification of gases

Gases are normally given off when substances are heated or when acids are added to substances.
A learner can know that a gas is given off through;

 Effervescence (rapid emission of bubbles) occurs. This is only seen when an acid is added
to a solid.
 Colour. A few gases possess noticeable colours e.g. brown fumes for nitrogen dioxide.
 Smell. Some gases have got distinctive smells and they are usually unpleasant. E.g.
ammonia (choking smell) and hydrogen sulphide (smell of rotten eggs).

After knowing that a gas is given off, it can then be identified using a chemical test.

Observation Deduction
Colourless vapour condenses on the cooler parts of the water of crystallization
test tube to form a colourless liquid that turns white :. Hydrated compound
anhydrous copper(II) sulphate blue or blue cobalt(II)
chloride paper pink.
A colourless gas is given off that turns moist/damp blue CO2 gas evolved
litmus paper red/pink and lime water milky. .: HCO3- or CO32- or CH3COO- or C2O42-
A colourless gas with a chocking/irritating smell is given NH3 gas produced
off that turns moist red litmus paper blue and forms dense :. NH4+
white fumes with concentrated hydrochloric
acid/hydrogen chloride gas.
A colourless gas with an irritating smell is given off that SO2 gas evolved
turns damp blue litmus paper red and orange potassium :. SO42- or SO32-
dichromate(VI) solution green.
Reddish brown or brown gas with an irritating smell is NO2 and O2 gases evolved
given off that turns moist blue litmus paper red and a :. NO3-
colourless gas that relights a glowing splint.

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Brown vapour that turns moist blue litmus paper red and Br2 gas evolved
bleaches it. :. Br-
Purple vapour that turns moist blue litmus paper red and I2 gas evolved
sublimes to form a black or purple or purplish-black solid :. I-
A greenish yellow gas with an irritating smell, turns Cl2 gas produced
damp blue litmus paper red and then bleaches it. :. Cl-
A colourless gas with an irritating smell, fumes in moist HCl gas evolved
air, turns moist blue litmus paper red and forms dense :. Cl-
white fumes with concentrated ammonia.
White fumes with sweet odour that forms white CH3COCH3 gas evolved
precipitate with Brady’s reagent :. CH3COO-
White fumes that that moist blue litmus paper red and SO3 gas evolved
forms white precipitate with barium nitrate solution :. SO42-
Note: Students are advised to test for gases whenever they

 heat the solid

 add sodium hydroxide solution to sample and heat
 add acid to the sample

ii) Colour of residue after heating a substance

Residue is a solid that remains in a glass tube after heating or on the filter paper after filtering a
mixture of a solid and a liquid. The colour of the residue helps to identify the Cation in the
unknown substance and therefore needs to be carefully observed.

Summary of the colour of residue after heating.

Observation Deduction
Residue is black CuO or FeO or Fe3O4 or NiO or MnO2
:. Cu2+ or Fe2+ or Fe3+ orNi2+ or Mn2+
Residue is white. MgO or CaO or Al2O3 or BaO
:. Mg2+ or Ca2+ or Al3+ or Ba2+
White sublimate. NH4+

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Residue is yellow when hot, white when cold. ZnO

:. Zn2+
Residue is reddish brown when hot, yellow when cold. PbO
:. Pb2+
Residue is brown or yellow Fe2O3
:. Fe3+

d) Use of common reagents

Identification of cations

i) Identification using sodium hydroxide and aqueous ammonia

The main reaction between these two reagents and the cations is the precipitation of insoluble
metal hydroxides. Some of these metal hydroxides dissolve in excess of these reagents forming
solutions of complex ions and some do not dissolve.

Procedure

- To a small portion of the test solution, add a few drops of NaOH(aq) or NH3(aq) and shake the
mixture. Check if precipitate is formed and note its colour.

- Add more sodium hydroxide solution or NH3(aq) until in excess and then shake the solution.
Note whether the precipitate formed is soluble in excess alkali or insoluble in excess alkali.

NB. In case no precipitate appears after adding sodium hydroxide solution, warm the mixture
gently and test for ammonium ions if present or not.

Below is a summary of observations and deductions for reactions between the common cations
and sodium hydroxide solution or aqueous ammonia

Expected observation(s) Deduction(s) with;

NaOH(aq) NH3(aq)
White precipitate insoluble in excess. Ca2+ or Ba2+ or Mg2+ Al3+ or Pb2+ or Sn2+ or
Mg2+or Ba2+
White precipitate soluble in excess forming a colourless Zn2+ or Al3+or Pb2+or Sn2+ Zn2+
solution.

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White precipitate insoluble in excess turns brown on Mn2+ Mn2+

standing.
No observable change, a colourless gas with a choking NH3 gas evolved -
smell turns moist red litmus paper blue and forms dense NH4+ confirmed
white fumes with concentrated hydrochloric acid is
given off on warming.
Pale blue precipitate insoluble in excess. Cu2+ present
Green precipitate soluble in excess to form a blue - Ni2+
solution
Green precipitate insoluble in excess Ni2+ -
Green precipitate insoluble in excess, turns brown on Fe2+ Fe2+
standing.
Brown precipitate insoluble in excess. Fe3+ Fe3+
No observable change/colourless solution - Ca2+ or NH4+
Pale blue precipitate soluble in excess forming a deep - Cu2+
blue solution.
Green precipitate insoluble in excess - Cr3+
Green precipitate soluble in excess to form a green Cr3+ -
solution.
Assignment 1

Write ionic equation(s) (if any) for the reaction(s) between the metal ions and sodium hydroxide
solution and aqueous ammonia.

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ii) Identification using sodium carbonate solution

The procedure is the same as that of addition of sodium hydroxide solution or aqueous ammonia.

Observations Deductions
White precipitate insoluble in excess Zn2+ or Pb2+ or Sn2+ or Mg2+or Ba2+
White precipitate insoluble in excess with effervescence of a Al3+
colourless gas that turns lime water milky
White precipitate insoluble in excess but turns brown on Mn2+
standing
A green or blue precipitate insoluble in excess Cu2+
A dirty green precipitate insoluble in excess Fe2+
A brown precipitate insoluble in excess with effervescence of Fe3+
a colourless gas that turns lime water milky
Pale green precipitate insoluble in excess Ni2+
No observable change NH4+
Assignment 2

Use ionic equations to illustrate the above observations.

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CONFIRMATORY TESTS FOR CATIONS

These are tests that prove beyond doubt that indeed a particular ion is present in the given sample.
The table below summarizes the confirmatory tests for cations.

Cation Test procedure Observations

Zn2+ To the test solution, add solid ammonium chloride White precipitate soluble in excess
followed by 4-5 drops of disodium hyrogenphosphate forming a colourless solution
solution followed by dilute ammonia drop wise until
in excess.
To the test solution, add potassium ferrocyanide or White precipitate is formed
hexacyanoferrate(II) solution
Pb2+ To the test solution, add potassium iodide solution. Yellow precipitate
To the test solution, add dilute hydrochloric acid White precipitate
To the test solution, add dilute sulphuric acid White precipitate
To the test solution, add potassium chromate Yellow precipitate soluble in
solution followed by dilute sodium hydroxide excess sodium hydroxide solution
solution until is excess
Ba2+ To the test solution, add dilute sulphuric acid White precipitate
To the test solution, add ammonium oxalate White precipitate soluble in dilute
followed by dilute ethanoic acid. acid
To the test solution, add potassium chromate Yellow precipitate insoluble in
solution followed by dilute sodium hydroxide excess sodium hydroxide solution
solution until is excess
To the test solution, add potassium chromate Yellow precipitate insoluble in
solution followed by dilute ethanoic acid dilute acid
Cu2+ To the test solution, add dilute ammonium dropwise Pale blue precipitate soluble in
until in excess excess to form a deep blue solution
To the test solution, add 3-4 drops of potassium iodide White precipitate in a brown
solution solution

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To the test solution, add potassium ferrocyanide or A brown precipitate is formed

hexacyanoferrate(II) solution.
To the test solution, add excess concentrated A yellow solution is formed
hydrochloric acid.
Al3+ To the test solution, add 2-3 drops of dilute nitric acid A blue lake solution is formed
followed by 3-4 drops of litmus solution and then
dilute ammonia solution drop wise until is excess.
To the test solution, add 2drops of litmus solution, Purple colouration is formed
followed by about 1cm3 of dilute hydrochloric acid
and then dilute ammonia solution until the solution is
alkaline, then add Alizarin reagent
Mg2+ To the test solution, add solid ammonium chloride White precipitate insoluble in
followed by 4-5 drops of disodium hyrogenphosphate excess ammonia
solution followed by dilute ammonia dropwise until
in excess.
Ca2+ To the test solution, add ammonium oxalate followed White precipitate insoluble in
by dilute ethanoic acid. dilute acid
To the test solution, add potassium chromate solution Yellow precipitate soluble in
followed by dilute sodium hydroxide solution until is excess sodium hydroxide solution
excess
Ni2+ To the test solution, add little ammonia solution A red or pink precipitate is formed
followed by dimethyl glyoxime solution
To the test solution, add few drops of potassium A brown precipitate is formed
hexacyanoferrate(III) solution.
Mn2+ To the test solution, add a few drops of concentrated A purple solution is formed
nitric acid followed by a little sodium bismuthate and
warm gently
To the test solution, add a few drops of concentrated A purple solution is formed
nitric acid followed by lead(IV) oxide and warm
gently.

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To the test solution, add a few drops of hydrogen A dark brown ppt with rapid
peroxide solution followed by dilute sodium effervescence of a colourless gas
hydroxide drop wise until in excess. that relights a glowing splint
Fe2+ To the test solution, add 3-4 drops of potassium A dark blue precipitate is formed
hexacyanoferrate(III) solution.
To the test solution, add hydrogen peroxide solution Pale green solution turns to brown
and warm
To the test solution, add concentrated nitric acid and Green solution turns to brown
warm
Fe3+ To the test solution, add 3-4 drops of potassium A dark blue precipitate is formed
hexacyanoferrate(II) solution.
To the test solution, add ammonium or potassium A deep red solution is formed
thiocyanate solution
Cr3+ To the test solution, add dilute sodium hydroxide A green precipitate soluble in
solution drop wise until in excess followed by excess NaOH forming a green
hydrogen peroxide and warm solution and turns to yellow on
addition of hydrogen peroxide
To the test solution, add lead(II) nitrate or ethanoate A yellow precipitate
solution followed by dilute sodium hydroxide

Making the solution “Just Acidic”

This is done by adding dilute mineral acid such as dilute nitric acid to the filtrate obtained after
adding sodium hydroxide solution or ammonia solution and filtering. This differentiates
amphoteric cations and non-amphoteric cations.

During addition of an acid, a precipitate is formed and when it dissolves, the addition is stopped
and the solution is said to be ’just acidic’.

Explanation

During the reaction the amphoteric cation with sodium hydroxide, a precipitate is formed which
dissolves in excess to form a complex solution e.g.

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In little sodium hydroxide solution

Al3+ (aq) + 3OH- (aq) → Al(OH)3 (s) (white precipitate)

In excess sodium hydroxide solution

Al(OH)3 (s) + OH- (aq) → [Al(OH)4 ]- (aq) (colourless solution)

During filtration the colourless solution (tetrahydroxoaluminate(III) ions) remain in the filtrate and
to make them free, an acid has to be add to the filtrate until it is just acidic. Then the aluminium
ions are free in solution. The reactions which occur are;

[Al(OH)4 ]- (aq) + H+ (aq) → Al(OH)3 (s) + H2O (l)

Al(OH)3 (s) + 3H+ (aq) → Al3+ (aq) + 3H2O (l)

Washing the residue with distilled water and then dissolving in acid

This is done by pouring water on the residue through the filter paper in a funnel times. This
removes any traces of the soluble cations which might be trapped in the residue. The wash residue
is the dried between filter papers and carefully transferred to the test tube.

A dilute acid normally hydrochloric acid or nitric acid is then added to the residue until there is no
further change. Watch what happens and the write your observations and deductions as illustrated
below

Observations Deductions
The white residue dissolves with effervescence CO2 evolved
of a colourless gas that turns moist blue litmus CO32- confirmed
paper red and lime water milky.
The resultant solution is colourless Non transition metal ions present

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Identification of anions

The anions identified at A’ level include;

Sulphate ions, SO42-

Carbonate ions, CO32-
Chloride ions, Cl 
Nitrate ions, NO3-
Hydrogencarbonate ions, HCO3-
Iodide ions, I-
Bromide ions, Br-
Ethanoate ions or acetate ions, CH3COO-
Oxalate ions, C2O42-
Sulphite ions (SO32-)

a) Action of lead(II) nitrate

Test Observation Deduction

To the test solution, add White precipitate SO42-, C2O42-, CO32-, SO32-
lead(II) nitrate solution
To the test solution, add A yellow precipitate I-
lead(II) nitrate solution
To the test solution, add White precipitate insoluble on SO42-
lead(II) nitrate solution and warming
warm White precipitate soluble on Cl-
warming and reappears on
cooling.
To the test solution, add A white precipitate soluble in Cl-, SO42-
lead(II) nitrate solution the acid
followed by dilute nitric acid

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To the test solution, add A white precipitate soluble in CO2 evolved

lead(II) nitrate solution the acid with effervescence of C2O42-, CO32-
followed by dilute nitric acid a colourless gas that turns
moist blue litmus paper red
and lime water milky

b) Action of barium nitrate and dilute nitric acid

Test Observations Deductions

To the test solution add A white precipitate insoluble SO42- confirmed
barium nitrate solution in the acid
followed by dilute nitric acid A white precipitate soluble in SO32-
the acid
A white precipitate soluble in CO2 evolved
the acid with effervescence of C2O42-, CO32-
a colourless gas that turns
moist blue litmus paper red
and lime water milky
To the test solution, add dilute White precipitate SO42- confirmed
nitric acid followed by barium
nitrate solution
Note: A combination of barium chloride and dilute hydrochloric acid gives similar observations
as noted in the table above.

c) Action of silver nitrate and dilute nitric acid

Test Observation Deductions

To the test solution, add dilute White precipitate Cl- confirmed
nitric acid followed by few A pale yellow precipitate I-
drops of silver nitrate solution
No observable change SO42-

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To the test solution, add few White precipitate insoluble in Cl- confirmed
drops of silver nitrate acid
followed by dilute nitric acid A pale yellow precipitate I-
A white precipitate soluble in CO2 evolved
the acid with effervescence of C2O42-, CO32-
a colourless gas that turns
moist blue litmus paper red
and lime water milky

d) Action of silver nitrate and aqueous ammonia

Tests Observations Deductions

To the test solution, add few A white precipitate soluble in Cl- confirmed
drops of silver nitrate excess ammonia solution
followed by ammonia forming a colourless solution
solution dropwise until in Pale yellow precipitate I-
excess insoluble in excess ammonia
solution
No observable change SO42-
White precipitate insoluble in SO32-
excess ammonia
White precipitate soluble in C2O42-, CO32-
excess ammonia
Confirmatory tests for anions

Anion Test(s) Observation(s)

CO32- To the solid sample, add dilute nitric Effervescence of a colourless gas that
or hydrochloric acid turns moist blue litmus red and forms a
white precipitate with calcium
hydroxide solution

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To the test solution, add magnesium White precipitate

sulphate or chloride solution
HCO3- To the test solution, add magnesium No observable change
sulphate or chloride solution
C2O42- To the test solution, add acidified Purple solution turns to colourless
potassium permanganate and heat
To the test solution, add iodine Brown solution turns to colourless
solution and heat
SO42- To the test solution, add barium nitrate White precipitate insoluble in acid
solution followed by dilute nitric acid
To the test solution, add barium White precipitate insoluble in acid
chloride solution followed by dilute
hydrochloric acid
SO32- To the test solution, add acidified Purple solution turns to colourless
potassium permanganate
To the test solution, add iodine Brown solution turns to colourless
solution
Cl- To the test solution, add lead(II) White precipitate soluble on warming
nitrate solution and warm and reappears on cooling
To the test solution, add few drops of White precipitate soluble in excess
silver nitrate solution followed by ammonia solution to form a colourless
aqueous ammonia solution
To the test solution, add few drops of White precipitate insoluble in acid
silver nitrate solution followed by
dilute nitric acid
CH3COO- To the test solution, add ethanol A sweet fruity smell
followed by 3-4 drops of concentrated
sulphuric acid and warm. Pour the
mixture into cold water in a beaker

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To the test solution, add neutral A red colouration/solution is formed

iron(III) chloride solution
NO3- To the test solution, add freshly A brown ring is formed
prepared iron(II) sulphate solution.
Then hold the test in a slanting
position and add concentrated
sulphuric acid down the sides of the
test tube
Heat the solid sample in a dry hard test -Brown fumes of a gas that turns moist
tube gently then strong blue litmus paper red
-Another colourless gas that relights a
glowing splint and neutral to litmus
paper
Br- To the test solution, add little An orange solution in the lower organic
bleaching powder (or 1 cm3 of sodium layer
hypochlorite solution), followed
by1cm3 of dilute and then 1cm3 of
chloroform (or 1cm3 of
tetrachloromethane) and shake gently.
I- To the test solution, add 3-5 drops of Colourless solution turns to brown and
concentrated nitric acid and warm. then to a blue-black solution
Cool and the add starch solution
To the test solution, add little A purple solution in the organic or lower
bleaching powder (or 1 cm3 of sodium layer
hypochlorite solution), followed
by1cm3 of dilute and then 1cm3 of
chloroform (or 1cm3 of
tetrachloromethane) and shake gently
To the test solution, add 5-6 drops of Colourless solution turns to brown then
concentrated sulphuric acid and to colourless.

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warm. To the mixture, add sodium

thiosulphate solution

Rules followed while doing an inorganic qualitative analysis examination

 Observations and deductions should be written precisely

 Deductions should relate to observations
 In deduction column, a wrong answer cancels out a correct one
 The use of words inappropriately will lead to loss of marks and therefore should be avoid
 Technical words such as precipitate, effervescence, ion should be correctly spelt
 In case of a confirmatory test, the word confirmed should accompany the ion
 The symbol or formula of ion should be correctly written. Refer to our notes, text books
and discussions for details
 Whenever asked to carry out a test of your own choice, the test MUST be written and
corresponding observations. The order of reagents is very paramount and once altered,
wrong observations are got.

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Sample question

You are provided with substance K which contains two cations and two anions. You are required
to carry out the following tests on K to identify the cations and anions in K. Identify any gas(es)
evolved. Record your observations and deductions in the table below.
Tests Observations Deductions
a) Heat a spatula endful of 𝑲 -White crystalline solid Non-transition metal ions
in a dry test tube strongly -A colourless condensate which turns Water of crystallization
until there is no further white anhydrous copper(II) sulphate to Hydrated salt
change. blue
-A colourless vapour with a sweet fruity Propanone vapour evolved
smell and forms a yellow precipitate CH3COO-
with Brady’s reagent
-A colorless gas that turns lime water CO2 evolved
milky and moist blue litmus paper red C2O42- or CO32-
-Brown fumes of a gas which turns NO2 evolved
moist blue litmus paper red NO3-
-A brown residue when hot and yellow PbO
on cooling Pb2+
b) To a spatula endful of 𝑲, - White fumes with a vinegar smell Ethanoic acid fumes
add 3-5 drops of and turns moist blue litmus paper evolved
concentrated sulphuric acid red. ∴ CH3COO-
and warm gently. - Brown fumes which turn moist blue NO2(g) evolved
litmus paper red. ∴ NO3−
c) To two spatula endfuls of - White crystalline solid dissolves to Ba2+, Ca2+ or Mg2+
K, add distilled water and form a colourless solution
shake to dissolve. To the - White precipitate insoluble in Pb2+ or Al3+ or Mg2+
resultant solution, add dilute excess.
ammonia solution drop wise - Colourless filtrate. Zn2+ or Ca2+
until in excess and filter. - White solid residue. Pb2+or Al3+

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Keep both filtrate and

residue.
d) To the filtrate, add dilute White precipitate which dissolves in Zn2+
nitric acid drop wise until the acid to form a colourless solution
solution is just acidic.
e) Divide the acidified filtrate White precipitate soluble in excess to Zn2+
into six portions. form a colourless solution.
i) To the first portion, add
dilute sodium hydroxide
solution drop wise until in
excess.
ii) To the second portion, add White precipitate insoluble in excess Zn2+
sodium carbonate solution,
drop wise until in excess.
iii) To the third portion, add White precipitate soluble in excess to Zn2+
dilute ammonia solution, form a colourless solution.
drop wise until in excess.
iv) To the fourth portion, White precipitate soluble in excess to Zn2+ confirmed
carry out a test of your own form a colourless solution.
choice to confirm one of the
cations in K.
Test
Add solid ammonium
chloride followed by 4 drops
of disodium hydrogen
phosphate solution and then
aqueous ammonia drop wise
until in excess.
v) To the fifth portion, add A colourless sweety fruity smelling Ester formed
ethanol followed by 3-5 compound. ∴ CH3COO- confirmed

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drops of concentrated
sulphuric acid and warm.
Pour the mixture into a
beaker of cold water.
vi) To the sixth portion, add A colourless gas which turns moist red NH3(g) evolved.
zinc metal powder followed litmus paper blue and forms dense white ∴ NO3− confirmed
by excess sodium hydroxide fumes with hydrogen chloride gas.
solution and warm.
f) Wash the residue obtained White solid residue dissolves to form a Pb2+ or Al3+or Mg2+
in (c) with water and dissolve colourless solution
it in dilute nitric acid. Divide
the resultant solution into
four portions.
i) To the first part, add dilute White precipitate soluble in excess to Pb2+ or Al3+
sodium hydroxide solution form a colourless solution.
drop wise until in excess.
ii) To the second portion, add White precipitate insoluble in excess Pb2+ or Al3+
dilute ammonia solution drop
wise until in excess.
iii) To the third portion, add White precipitate Pb2+
dilute sulphuric acid.
iv) To the fourth portion, add Yellow precipitate soluble in excess to Pb2+
potassium chromate solution form a yellow solution
followed by sodium
hydroxide solution drop wise
until in excess.

(g) (i) The cations in 𝑲 are Zn2+ and Pb2+

(ii) The anions in 𝑲 are CH3COO- and NO−

3

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BRAIN CHECK.

1. You are provided with substance Q which contains two cations and two anions. You are required
to carry out the following tests on Q to identify the cations and anions present. Identify any gas(es)
evolved. Record your observations and deductions in the table below.

Q [FeSO4.7H2O + ZnCO3]

Tests Observations Deductions

a) Heat a spatula endful of Q in a
dry test tube strongly until there
is no further change.

b) To two spatula endfuls of Q,

add distilled water, shake and
filter.
Keep both filtrate and residue.

c) Divide the filtrate into five

portions.
i) To the first portion, add dilute
sodium hydroxide solution drop
wise until in excess.

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ii) To the second portion, add

ammonia solution, drop wise
until in excess.
iii) To the third portion, add 3-4
drops of concentrated sulphuric
acid followed by 2-3 drops of
potassium thiocyanate.
iv) To the fourth portion, add
lead(II) nitrate solution and heat.
Allow it to cool

v) Use the fifth portion to carry

out a test of your own choice to
identify one of the anions in Q.
Test

c) Wash the residue with water

and dissolve it in dilute
hydrochloric acid.
Divide the resultant solution into
three portions.
i) To the first part, add dilute
sodium hydroxide solution drop
wise until in excess.

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ii) To the second portion, add

dilute ammonia solution drop
wise until in excess.
iii) Use the third portion to carry
out a test of your own choice to
confirm one of the cations in Q
Test

d) Identify the
i) Cations in Q………………………………………………………………………………………
ii) Anions in Q………………………………………………………………………………………
3. You are provided with substance W which contains two cations and two anions. You are
required to carry out the following tests on W to identify the cations and anions present.
Identify any gas(es) evolved. Record your observations and deductions in the table below.
W [(CH3COO)2Pb + ZnCl2.6 H2O]
Tests Observations Deductions
a) Heat a spatula endful of W in
a dry test tube strongly until there
is no further change.

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b) To two spatula endfuls of W,

add 2-3 drops of concentrated
sulphuric acid and warm.
c) To two spatula endfuls of W,
add dilute nitric acid until there is
no further change
Add sodium hydroxide solution
drop wise until in excess. Filter
and keep both filtrate and
residue.

d) to the filtrate, add dilute nitric

acid until it is just acidic
Divide the resultant solution into
four parts.
i) To the first part of the filtrate,
add dilute sodium hydroxide
solution drop wise until in
excess.
ii) To the second part of the
filtrate, add ammonia solution,
drop wise until in excess.
iii) To the third part of the acidic
solution, add dilute sulphuric
acid
iv) Use the fourth portion to carry
out a test of your own choice to
confirm one of the cations in W.
Test

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e) To 2 spatula endfuls of W, add

about 5cm3 of water, shake and
filter. Divide the filtrate into five
parts
i) To the first part, add dilute
sodium hydroxide solution drop
wise until in excess.
ii) To the second portion, add
dilute ammonia solution drop
wise until in excess.
iii) Use the third portion to carry
out a test of your own choice to
confirm one of the cations in W
Test

iv) to the fourth part, add lead(II)

nitrate solution and heat

v) Use the fifth part to carry out a

test of your own choice to
confirm one of the anions in W
Test

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d) Identify the
i) Cations in W………………………………………………………………………………………
ii) Anions in W……………...………………………………………………………………………
4. You are provided with substance X which contains two cations and two anions. You are
required to carry out the following tests on X to identify the cations and anions present.
Identify any gas(es) evolved. Record your observations and deductions in the table below.
[NiCl2.6H2O + ZnCO3]
TESTS OBSERVATIONS DEDUCTIONS
a) Heat a spatula endful of X in a
dry test tube first gently, then
strongly until there is no further
change.
Allow it to cool

b) To two spatula endfuls of X,

add about 10cm3 of water. Shake
well and filter
Keep both the filtrate and residue
divide the filtrate into four parts
i) To the first part of the filtrate,
add dilute sodium hydroxide
solution drop wise until in
excess.
ii) To the second part of the
filtrate, add ammonia solution,

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drop wise until in excess. Add 2-

3 drops of dimethyl glyoxime to
the mixture
iii) To the third part of solution,
add dilute nitric acid followed by
a few drops of lead(II) nitrate
solution and warm
iv) Use the fourth portion to carry
out a test of your own choice to
confirm one of the anions in X.
Test

c) Dissolve the residue in 5cm3 of

dilute nitric acid and divide the
resultant solution into two parts;

i) To the first part, add dilute

sodium hydroxide solution drop
wise until in excess.
ii) To the second part, add solid
ammonium chloride followed by
2-3 drops of disodium hydrogen
phosphate. Add ammonia
solution to the mixture drop wise
until in excess
d) Identify the;
i) Cations in X………………………………………………………………………………………

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ii) Anions in X……………...………………………………………………………………………

4. You are provided with substance T which contains two cations and two anions. You are
required to carry out the following tests on T to identify the cations and anions present.
Identify any gas(es) evolved. Record your observations and deductions in the table below.
TESTS OBSERVATIONS DEDUCTIONS
a) Heat a spatula endful of T in a
dry test tube first gently, then
strongly until there is no further
change.

b) To two spatula endfuls of T in

a boiling tube, add dilute nitric
acid drop wise there is no.
To the resultant solution, add
dilute sodium hydroxide drop
wise until in excess. Shake and
filter.
Keep both the filtrate and residue

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c) To the filtrate, add dilute nitric

acid little at a time until the
solution is just acidic. Divide the
filtrate into four parts
i) To the first part of the acidified
filtrate, add 2cm3 of ethanol
followed by 2-3 drops of
concentrated sulphuric acid and
warm the mixture.
ii) To the second part of the
filtrate, add dilute sodium
hydroxide solution drop wise
until in excess.
iii) To the third part of the
acidified filtrate, add dilute
ammonia solution drop wise until
in excess.
iv) Use the fourth portion to carry
out a test of your own choice to
confirm one of the cations in T.
Test

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d) Dissolve the residue in (b)

above in dilute hydrochloric acid
and divide the resultant solution
into four parts parts

i) To the first part of the resultant

solution, add dilute sodium
hydroxide solution drop wise
until in excess.
ii) To the second part of the
resultant solution, add dilute
ammonia solution drop wise until
in excess
iv) To the second part of the
resultant solution, add potassium
iodide solution
iv) Use the fourth part of the
resultant solution to carry out a
test of your own choice to
confirm the second cation in T.
Test

d) Identify the;
i) Cations in T………………………………………………………………………………………

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ii) Anions in T……………...………………………………………………………………………

5. You are provided with substance H which contains two cations and two anions. You are
required to determine the ions in H.
Carry out the following tests and identify any gas(es) evolved. Record your observations
and deductions in table III below.
Tests Observations Deductions

a) Heat two spatula endfuls of H in a

dry test tube, first gently then strongly
until there is no further change. Allow
it to cool

b) To 2 spatula endfuls of H, add 10

cm3 of water. Shake well and filter.
Keep both the filtrate and residue.
Divide the filtrate into four parts

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i) To the first part of the solution, add

sodium hydroxide solution dropwise
until in excess

ii) To the second part of the solution,

add aqueous ammonia drop wise until
in excess

iii) To the third part of the solution,

add dilute nitric acid followed by few
drops of lead(II) nitrate solution and
warm

iv) Use the fourth part of the solution

to carry out a test of your own choice
to confirm one of the anions in H

Test

c) Dissolve the residue in about 5cm3

of dilute nitric acid. Divide the
resultant solution into two equal parts.

i) To the first part of the solution, add

sodium hydroxide solution drop wise
until in excess

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ii) To the second part of the solution,

add aqueous ammonia drop wise until
in excess.

iii) To the third part of the solution,

add solid ammonium chloride
followed by 3 or 4 drops of disodium
hydrogen phosphate solution. Add
ammonia solution to the mixture drop
wise until in excess.

a) Identify the
i) Cations in H ……………………………………… and ……………………………
ii) Anions in H ……………………………………… and ……………………………
6. You are provided with substance X, which contains two cations and two anions. You are
required to carry out the following tests on X to identify the cations and anions in X.
Identify any gases evolved.

TESTS OBSERVATIONS DEDUCTIONS

(a) Heat a spatula endful of X strongly
in a dry test tube.

(b) To ½ spatula endful of X add 2-3

drops of concentrated sulphuric acid.
Heat the mixture.

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(c)To three spatula endfuls of X in a

boiling tube, add about 8cm3 of water
and shake vigorously until X
dissolves completely. Use the
resultant solution as instructed below.
(i) To 1cm3 of the resultant solution,
add an equal volume of iron(III)
chloride solution. Boil the mixture.
(ii) To another 1 cm3 of the resultant
solution add lead(II) nitrate solution.

(iii) To another 1cm3 of the resultant

solution add barium nitrate solution
followed by dilute nitric acid.
(d) To the remaining portion of the
resultant solution add sodium
hydroxide solution drop-wise until in
excess. Filter. Keep both the filtrate
and residue.
(e) To the filtrate in (d) add dilute
nitric acid drop-wise until the solution
is just acidic.
Divide the acidified solution into
three portions.
(i) To the first portion add sodium
hydroxide solution drop-wise until in
excess.
(ii)To the second portion add
ammonia solution drop-wise until in
excess.

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(iii) Use the third portion to carry out

a test of your own choice to confirm
one of the cations in X.
TEST

(e) Wash the residue with sodium

hydroxide solution and then with
water and dissolve it in dilute nitric
acid.
Divide the resultant solution into
three parts.
(i) To the first part of the resultant
solution add sodium hydroxide drop-
wise until in excess.
(ii) To the second part of the resultant
solution add ammonia solution drop-
wise until in excess.
(iii) Use the third part of the of the
resultant solution to carry out a test of
your choice to confirm the remaining
cations in X.
TEST:

(e) Identify the

(i) Cations in X …………………………and ………………………….
(ii) Anions in X ………………………… and …………………………

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PART 2: ORGANIC QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Introduction
Simple organic compounds are classified according to their functional groups. These functional
groups are the reaction sites where specific reactions particular to a certain group of compounds
take place.

Objectives/Aims of analyzing organic compounds

 Categorizing organic compounds as either aliphatic or aromatic

 Determining carbon to hydrogen ratio or carbon content in organic compounds
 Identification of functional groups in organic compounds e.g. hydroxyl group, carbonyl
group, carboxyl group, amino group etc.
 Categorizing organic compounds as either acidic, basic or neutral.
 Categorizing organic compounds as either polar or non-polar.
 Differentiating between classes of organic compounds that is primary, secondary and
tertiary
 Categorizing organic compounds as either saturated or unsaturated.
Note: It’s from the above objectives that should derive the required comment on the nature of
the organic compound given.

Nature of organic question

You are provided with an organic compound M. You are required to carry out the following
tests on M. Record your observations and deductions in the table below and describe the
/comment on the nature of M.

Organic questions are usually organized in a table format (as below) requiring candidates to
write observations and deductions after performing the given tests. However, examiners can
ask learners to carry out tests of their own choice to identify the organic compound given.

Test Observation Deduction

The objectives are above are achieved by carrying out preliminary and confirmatory tests on
the given organic substance

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a) Preliminary tests
1. Physical appearance
This gives an over view of the nature of the organic compound
Observation Deduction
A colourless liquid Lower aliphatic compound e.g. alcohol,
aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters
Solid compound Aromatic compound or higher aliphatic
compound e.g. salts of carboxylic acids,
phenol, dicarboxylic acids and
carbohydrates.
2. The flame test
Unlike inorganic compounds, flame test is vital in analyzing organic compounds.
This is important in
 Categorizing organic compounds as either aliphatic or aromatic.
 Determining carbon to hydrogen ratio (carbon content) in organic compounds
 Categorizing organic compounds as either saturated or unsaturated.
Test Observation Deduction
Burn a small amount Burns with a yellow non- Aliphatic, saturated compound with
of the organic sooty flame a low carbon content
compound on a Burns with a yellow sooty Aromatic or unsaturated aliphatic
spatula end or flame compound with a high carbon content
crucible Does not burn Alkyl halide or nitrogen containing
compound or salt of carboxylic acid.
3. Smell. The smell of the compound can be a guide but not a sure test
4. Solubility in Water
The solubility of organic compounds decreases with increasing molecular mass of the
compounds in a given series.

Therefore, if the substance readily dissolves in water, then the sample is likely to be a low
molecular compound.

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Aromatic compounds are less soluble compared to their corresponding aliphatic

compounds.
If the organic compound is in liquid state the word ‘miscible’ or ‘immiscible’ is used and
if in solid state the word “soluble” or “dissolve” is commonly used.

Test Observation Deduction

To 1cm3 of organic Miscible with water Polar aliphatic compound
compound, add 2cm3 of forming a colourless with low carbon content
water solution e.g. alcohol, carboxylic
acid carbonyl or ester
To 1cm3 of organic Immiscible with water Non-polar aliphatic
compound, add 2cm3 of compound
water
Shake a spatula endful of Sparingly soluble in cold Polar aromatic compound;
organic compound with water but dissolves on Phenol
about 4cm3 of water and warming to form a
warm colourless solution
Shake a spatula endful of Insoluble in water Polar aromatic compound
organic compound with
about 4cm3 of water
Note:

 Usually the solution formed with water is tested with litmus (blue and red) or
universal indicator to ascertain whether it is neutral, basic or acidic.
 Phenol and aromatic carboxylic acids do not easily dissolve in cold water, but
soluble in hot water, and their solutions turn blue litmus paper red.
5. Use of indicator
Litmus paper Litmus solution Universal indicator Deduction
solution

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Has no effect on both Has no effect on litmus Solution remains green Neutral compound;
blue and red litmus solution Alcohols or carbonyl or
paper ester present
Blue litmus paper turns Blue litmus solution Solutions turn to red or Acidic compound;
to red or pink turns to red pink or orange Carboxylic acid or
phenol present
Red litmus paper turns Red litmus solution Solution turns blue Basic compound
blue turns blue Amines or salt of
carboxylic acid present

6. Action of dilute sodium hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide solution is used to test for the presence of carboxylic acids and phenols
in a neutralization reaction

Tests Observations Deductions

To 1cm3 of the organic Miscible to form a Neutralization reaction
compound, add 4cm3 of colourless solution with no Aliphatic carboxylic acid or
sodium hydroxide solution evolution of a gas phenol present
To a spatula endful of the Dissolves to form a Neutralization reaction
organic compound, add colourless solution with no Aromatic carboxylic acid or
4cm3 of sodium hydroxide evolution of a gas phenol present
solution
To 1cm3 of the organic Miscible to form a Ester hydrolysis to alcohol
compound, add 4cm3 of colourless solution with and a sodium salt of
sodium hydroxide solution evolution of a gas and on carboxylic acid
and boil or heat boiling or heating the sweet Ester present
fruity smell is lost
To 1cm3 of the organic Miscible to form a Aliphatic amine present
compound, add 4cm3 of colourless solution with
sodium hydroxide solution

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evolution of a gas that turns

moist red litmus paper blue
To the organic compound, Solid insoluble in sodium Aromatic amine
add sodium hydroxide hydroxide solution
solution
7. Use of bromine water
Test Observation Deduction
Add bromine water to Brown water turns from Saturated compound present;
the unknown organic brown to colourless (Phenol or aniline present)
compound Brown colour of bromine Unsaturated compound
water persists present;
(Phenol or aniline absent)
White precipitate Phenol present

b) Confirmatory tests
Test Observation Deduction
Add a few drops of Brady’s reagent Yellow precipitate Carbonyl
or 2-3 drops of Compound;
2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (ketone or aldehyde)
Note: Conc. HCl can be added
followed by warming No observable change Carbonyl compound absent

Add acidified potassium dichromate Orange solution turns to Primary or secondary alcohol,
solution and heat green Aldehyde present

No observable change Tertiary alcohol

or ketone present

Add acidified potassium Purple solution turns to Primary or secondary alcohol,

permanganate solution and heat colourless Aldehyde present

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No observable change Tertiary alcohol or ketone

present
Add Tollen’s reagent (silver nitrate Silver mirror is formed Ketone absent;
in ammonia solution or ammoniacal Aldehyde confirmed
silver nitrate) Or HCOOH present
No observable change Aldehyde absent;
Ketone confirmed

Add Fehling’s solution (copper(II) Red precipitate Ketone absent;

sulphate solution Aldehyde confirmed
No observable change Aldehyde absent;
Ketone confirmed
HCOOH present
Add Lucas’ reagent (anhydrous zinc No observable change Primary (1o) alcohol is
chloride and concentrated present
hydrochloric acid). Shake well and Cloudiness formed Secondary (2o) alcohol
allow to stand within 5-10 minutes
Immediate cloudiness is Tertiary (3o) alcohol present
formed
Add sodium carbonate or sodium Effervescence of a Carbon dioxide gas evolved;
hydrogencarbonate solution or solid colourless gas that turns Carboxylic acid present
lime water milky and
moist blue litmus paper
red.
Add 1cm3 of ethanoic acid followed Colourless sweet fruity Esterification reaction
by a few drops of concentrated smelling compound Ester formed
sulphuric acid and boil for 2 Alcohol present
minutes. Pour this mixture in a small
beaker of cold water
Purple/Violet Phenol confirmed
colouration

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Add neutral Iron(III) chloride No observable change Phenol absent

solution.
Add 2 drops of Iron(III) chloride A reddish brown or Salt of carboxylic acid present
solution followed by heating brown precipitate
Add sodium hydrogen sulphate White precipitate Carbonyl compound present
solution
Add two spatula endfuls of soda lime A colourless gas that Carbon dioxide gas evolved
turns lime water milky Carboxylic acid
and moist blue litmus
paper red
Add a little PCl5 or PCl3 solution. Mist fumes which form Compound with –OH group
(Read more in theory here for dense white fumes with Phenol or alcohol or
observations with SOCl2 solution in concentrated ammonia carboxylic acid
pyridine) solution
Add excess iodine solution followed A yellow precipitate Alcohol, carbonyl
sodium hydroxide solution compounds, carboxylic acid;
dropwise until the solution is pale with a methyl group (-CH3)
yellow or brown. Warm gently and directly attached to the carbon
cool under running tap water atom with the functional
group present. CHI3 formed
No observable change Alcohol, carbonyl
compounds, carboxylic acid;
with a methyl group (-CH3)
directly attached to the carbon
atom with the functional
group absent
Add sodium metal Effervescence of a Hydrogen gas produced
colourless gas that burns Phenol, alcohol or carboxylic
with a pop sound acid present

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Add concentrated hydrochloric acid; Effervescence of a Primary aliphatic amine

cool the mixture and then add sodium colourless gas neutral to
nitrite solution dropwise and keep the litmus paper
solution mixture in an ice- bath for 5- A yellow oily liquid Secondary aliphatic amine
10 minutes. No observable change Tertiary aliphatic amine
No observable change Primary aromatic amine
but on warming
effervescence of a
colourless gas neutral to
litmus paper
Add sodium hydroxide solution and White precipitate is RCH2-Cl present
heat followed by silver nitrate formed
solution followed by dilute nitrate Pale yellow precipitate RCH2-Br present
acid
Yellow precipitate is RCH2-I present
formed
Sample questions

1. You are provided with an organic substance Y. Carry out the following tests on Y and
record your observations and deductions in the table below.

Tests Observations Deductions

a) Burn a little of Y on a spatula. Colourless liquid burns with a Saturated aliphatic
yellow non- sooty flame compound; alcohol or
carbonyl or carboxylic acid.

b) Add 1cm3 of Y to 1cm3 of Miscible with water forming a Polar aliphatic compound of
water in a test tube and shake. colourless solution; lower molecular.
Test the mixture with litmus. Resultant solution has no effect Neutral compound;
Divide the resultant solution on litmus Alcohol or carbonyl
into three parts. compound.

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i) To the first part, add 2-3 drops No observable change Carboxylic acid absent
of sodium carbonate solution

ii) To the second part, add 2cm3 No observable change Carbonyl compound absent;
of Brady’s reagent alcohol present.

iii) To the third part, add 2cm3 of Yellow precipitate CHI3 formed
iodine solution followed by Alcohol with a methyl group
sodium hydroxide solution directly attached to the carbon
dropwise until the colour of atom with the functional
iodine is discharged. group present.

c) Add 2cm3 of acidified The purple solution turns to Primary or secondary alcohol
potassium permanganate colourless oxidised
solution to 3cm3 of Y in a
boiling tube heat the mixture.
Divide the solution into two
parts

i) To the first part, add 3 No observable change Carbonyl compound absent

drops of Brady’s reagent Primary alcohol present

ii) To the second part, add Effervescence of a colourless gas Carbon dioxide evolved
sodium carbonate solution that turns lime water milky and Carboxylic acid from
moist blue litmus paper red oxidation of primary alcohol
d) Deduce the nature of Y.
Y is a polar aliphatic saturated primary alcohol with a methyl group directly attached
to the carbon atom with the functional group.

2. You are provided with solid T. you are required to carry out the following tests to
determine the nature of T
Tests Observations Deductions
a) Burn a little of T on a spatula T burns with a yellow sooty Aromatic compound
end flame

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b) Add sodium hydroxide solution T dissolves forming a Phenol or carboxylic acid

to a little of T in a test and shake colourless solution
well
c) To a little of T in a test tube, add T is sparing soluble in water. T Polar organic compound of
about 5cm3 of water and heat. dissolves on heating to form a high molecular mass
Test the mixture with litmus colourless solution
paper. Divide the mixture into 5 Solution turns blue litmus paper Acidic compound;
parts to red carboxylic acid or phenol
present

i) To the first part add sodium Effervescence of a colourless Carbon dioxide evolved
carbonate solution gas that turns lime water milky Carboxylic acid
and moist blue litmus paper
ii) To the second part, add neutral Purple or violet solution is Phenol present
iron(III) chloride solution formed
iii) To the third part, add Brady’s No observable change Carbonyl compound absent
reagent
iv) To the fourth part add sodium Colourless sweet fruity Esterification reaction
hydroxide solution followed by few smelling compound Ester formed
drops of concentrated sulphuric acid Phenol present
followed by ethanoic acid
v) To the fifth part, add equal volume Colourless sweet fruity Ester formed
of ethanol followed by three drops of smelling compound T is Carboxylic acid
concentrated sulphuric acid and warm.

d) Comment on the nature of T

T is an aromatic carboxylic acid with a hydroxyl group attached to the benzene ring
Practical Exercises
1. You are provided with an organic compound N. carry out the following tests on N to identify
its nature

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Tests Observations Deductions

a) Burn a small amount of N on a
spatula end

b) To 1cm3 of N. add equal volume of

sodium hydroxide solution
c) Shake 2cm3 of N with about 2cm3 of
water. Test the resultant solution with
litmus paper.
Divide the resultant solution into three
parts
i) To the first part, add 2-3 drops of
neutral iron(III) chloride solution and
heat
ii) To the second part, add little sodium
carbonate powder
iii) To the third part, add acidified
potassium dichromate solution and
warm
d) To 1cm3 of N, add ammoniacal
silver nitrate solution and warm; then
allow the mixture to stand
e) State the identity of N

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3. You are provided with an organic compound R. carry out the following tests on R to
identify its nature. Record your observations and deductions in the table below

Tests Observations Deductions

a) Burn a spatula endful of R on a
spatula end

b) Two spatula endfuls of R in a clean

test tube, add about 5cm3 of distilled
water. Shake vigorously and warm.
Test the solution with litmus paper.
Divide the result solution in 6 portions
i) To the first portion, add few drops of
sodium hydroxide solution

ii) To the second portion add 1cm3 of

Brady’s reagent
iii) To the third portion, add 2-3 drops
of neutral iron(III) chloride solution
iv) To the fourth portion, add 2cm3 of
ethanol followed by 3 drops of
concentrated sulphuric and warm
(v) To the fifth portion, add 1cm3 of
sodium carbonate solution

(vi) To the sixth portion, add excess

soda lime and heat the mixture, place a
burning splint on the mouth of the test

e) Deduce the nature of R

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………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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3. You are provided with an organic compound Q. carry out the following tests on Q to identify
nature.

Tests Observations Deductions

a) Burn a spatula endful of Q on a
spatula end

b) Shake 1cm3 of Q with about 5cm3

of water.
Test the resultant solution with litmus
paper. Divide it into 2 parts
i) To the first portion, add 2-3 drops
of neutral iron(III) chloride solution
ii) To the second portion, add
acidified potassium permanganate
and heat.
c) To about 1cm3 of Q, add 4-5 drops
of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine
d) To about 1cm3 of Q, add 1cm3 of
methanol and shake well. To the
resultant solution, add 4cm3 of iodine
solution followed by sodium
hydroxide drop wise until the solution
turns pale yellow. Warm the mixture
and allow it to cool

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e) To 1cm3 of Q, add equal volume of

Fehling’s solution and heat the
mixture
f) From your results above, comment on the nature of Q.

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4. You are provided with substance Y which is an organic compound. Carry out the following tests
to identify its nature

Tests Observations Deductions

a) Burn a spatula endful of Y on a
spatula end

b) Shake two spatula endfuls of Y

with about 6cm3 of water.
Test the resultant solution with litmus
paper.
Divide the resultant solution into four
parts
i) To the first portion, add sodium
hydroxide solution

ii) To the second portion, add little

sodium hydrogencarbonate solution

iii) To the third portion, add 1cm3 of

bromine water

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iv) To the fourth portion, add neutral

iron(III) chloride solution drop wise
as you shake.
c) Comment on the nature of Y

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5. You are provided with substance K which is an organic compound. Carry out the following tests
on K to identify its functional group.

Tests Observations Deductions

a) Burn a spatula endful of K on a
spatula end

b) Shake half spatula endful of K with

about 6cm3 of water.
Test the resultant solution with litmus
paper.
c) Divide the resultant solution into
five portions;
i) To the first portion, add neutral
iron(III) chloride solution
ii) To the second portion, add little
sodium hydrogencarbonate solution
iii) To the third portion, add 4-5 drops
of Brady’s reagent

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iv) To the fourth portion, add

acidified potassium permanganate
solution and heat.
v) To the fifth portion, add 2cm3 of
Tollen’s reagent and warm; then
allow the mixture to stand.
d) Comment on the nature of K

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6. You are provided with an organic compound W. You are required to carry out the tests below
on W to identify its nature. Identify any gas(es) evolved. Record your observations and deductions
in the table below

Tests Observations Deductions

a) Burn a small amount of W on a
spatula end or in a dry porcelain dish

b) To about 0.5cm3 of W, add 1cm3 of

water, shake and test the resultant
solution with litmus paper.
c) To about 1cm3 of W, add 3-4 drops
of neutral iron(III) chloride solution
d) To about 1cm3 of W, add 3-4 drops
of Brady’s reagent
e) To about 2cm3 of W, add 4-5 drops
of acidified potassium dichromate

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solution, heat, allow it to cool and use

in part (f).
f) To the mixture from (e), add 3-4
drops of Brady’s reagent.
g) To about 2cm3 of Lucas reagent,
add 1cm3 of W.
Describe the nature of W.

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7. You are provided substance M which is an organic compound. You are required to
determine the nature of M. carry out the following tests and identify any gas(es) evolved
Record your observations and deductions in the table below
Tests Observations Deductions
a) Burn a small amount of M on
a spatula

b) To 1cm3 of M, add 3cm3 of

water and shake. Divide the
mixture into three parts
i) To the first part of the solution,
add 2-3 drops of iron(III)
chloride solution.
ii) To the second part of the
solution, and 3-4 drops of neutral
iron(III) chloride solution

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iii) To the third part of the

solution, add 2-3 drops of
acidified potassium dichromate
solution and warm
c) to 0.5cm3 of M in a test tube,
add 2-3 drops of 2,4-
dinitrophenyl hydrazine solution.
(Brady’s reagent)
d) To about 1cm3 of M, add 2cm3
of ethanoic acid followed by 3
drops of concentrated sulphuric
acid and heat, pour the products
in beaker of cold water.
e) To 0.5cm3 of M, add 2cm3 of
sodium hydroxide solution
followed by aqueous iodine drop
wise until in excess. Warm the
mixture and leave to stand.
f) To 1cm3 of M, add 3cm3of
Lucas’ reagent and shake, and
leave it to stand.
g) Describe the nature of M

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8. You are provided substance L which is an organic compound. You are required to determine
the nature of L. carry out the following tests and identify any gas(es) evolved. Record your
observations and deductions in the table below

Tests Observations Deductions

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a) Burn a small amount of L on a

dry spatula or dry porcelain

b) (i) Shake about half spatula

endful of L with 2cm3 of sodium
hydroxide solution.
ii) Shake about half spatula
endful of L with 2cm3 of sodium
hydroxide solution and add 2-3
drops of litmus solution.
c) Shake about half spatula
endful of L with 2cm3 of water
and divide the solution into three
parts.
i) To the first part of the solution,
add 2-3 drops of sodium
hydrogen carbonate solution
ii) To the second part, add 2-3
drops of 2,4-dinitrophenyl
hydrazine solution (Brady’s
reagent).
iii) To the third part of the
solution, add 2-3 drops of
iron(III) chloride solution and
warm
d) Dissolve a spatula endful of L
in about 5cm3 of water. To the

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solution, add 1-2cm3 of sodium

hydroxide solution. Heat the
mixture, cool and add 2-3 drops
of silver nitrate solution and filter
Keep both the filtrate and
residue.
e) To the residue, add dilute
ammonia solution drop wise until
in excess.
f) To the filtrate, add equal
volume of ethanol followed by 3-
4 drops of concentrated sulphuric
acid. Heat the mixture and allow
it to cool.
g) State the nature of L

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9. You are provided with an organic compound H. You are required to determine the nature of H.
carry out the following tests and identify any gas(es) evolved

Record your observations and deductions in the table below

Tests Observations Deductions

a) Burn a small amount of H on a
spatula end

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b) Add a spatula endful of H to about

5cm3 of sodium hydroxide solution
c) To a spatula endful of H in a test
tube, add 5cm3 of water. Shake
vigorously and test the resultant
solution with litmus paper.
Divide the resultant solution into three
parts
i) To the first part, add 2-3 drops of
Brady’s reagent
ii) To the second part, add Iron(III)
chloride solution
iii) To the third part, add 2-3 drops of
sodium hydrogen carbonate solution
d) To 2cm3 of ethanol, add spatula
endful of H followed by 3-4 drops of
concentrated sulphuric acid and warm
the mixture.
e) From your results above, comment on the nature of H.

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THE END

Those at the top didn’t just fall there, work hard…

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