The correct match of the group reagents in List-I for precipitating the metal ion given in List-II from solutions, is
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| (P) Passing H₂S in the presence of NH₄OH | (1) Cu²⁺ |
| (Q) (NH₄)₂CO₃ in the presence of NH₄OH | (2) Al³⁺ |
| (R) NH₄OH in the presence of NH₄Cl | (3) Mn²⁺ |
| (S) Passing H₂S in the presence of dilute HCl | (4) Ba²⁺ |
| (5) Mg²⁺ |
Correct Answer :
P → 3; Q → 4; R → 2; S → 1
Solution :
The correct option is P → 3; Q → 4; R → 2; S → 1.
To understand the correct matching, we analyze the systematic separation of basic radicals (cations) in qualitative inorganic analysis. Cations are classified into different groups based on the solubility products () of their salts (chlorides, sulfides, hydroxides, and carbonates) and are precipitated sequentially using specific group reagents.
1. Match for (P): Passing in the presence of
This combination represents the group reagent for Group IV cations, which includes , , , and .
In the presence of the weak base , the hydrogen ions from the dissociation of are neutralized, shifting the equilibrium to produce a high concentration of sulfide ions (). This high concentration is sufficient to exceed the solubility products of Group IV metal sulfides, leading to the precipitation of manganese as manganese sulfide ().
Therefore, P matches with (3) .
2. Match for (Q): in the presence of
This mixture is the group reagent for Group V cations, which includes , , and .
These cations are precipitated as their respective insoluble carbonates in alkaline medium.
Therefore, Q matches with (4) .
3. Match for (R): in the presence of
This combination represents the group reagent for Group III cations, which includes , , and .
The addition of ammonium chloride () suppresses the ionization of ammonium hydroxide () due to the common ion effect (). This decreases the concentration of hydroxide ions () to a level that is only high enough to exceed the low solubility products of Group III metal hydroxides (precipitating ) while preventing the premature precipitation of later group hydroxides.
Therefore, R matches with (2) .
4. Match for (S): Passing in the presence of dilute
This is the group reagent for Group II cations, which includes , , , and others.
The presence of hydrochloric acid () introduces a high concentration of hydrogen ions (), suppressing the dissociation of the weak acid through the common ion effect. The resulting low concentration of sulfide ions () is only sufficient to precipitate Group II cations because their sulfides have extremely small solubility products.
Therefore, S matches with (1) .
Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.
Create, conduct, and manage professional online assessments with Mindyard. Perfect for teachers and institutes.
Copyright © 2026 Mindyard. All Rights Reserved.