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An aqueous solution of an inorganic salt gave white precipitate (i) soluble in excess aqueous...

Chemistry
JAMB 1985

An aqueous solution of an inorganic salt gave white precipitate (i) soluble in excess aqueous NaOH (ii) insoluble in excess aqueous NH\(_3\) (iii) with dilute HCl. The cation present in the inorganic salt is?

  • A. Na+
  • B. Ca++
  • C. Zn++
  • D. Al+++
  • E. Pb++
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Correct Answer: Option E
Explanation

Ca\(^{2+}\) (calcium ions) do not form a precipitate that is soluble in excess NaOH, or in dilute HCl, but they do form a white precipitate with NaOH that is insoluble in excess NaOH and in NH\(_3\). 

Zn\(^{2+}\) ions form a white precipitate (Zn(OH)₂) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) that is soluble in excess NaOH and also soluble in excess ammonia (NH₃), forming a complex ion, but insoluble in dilute HCl. 

Adding NaOH to Al\(^{3+}\) solution initially forms a white precipitate of Al(OH)₃, which is then soluble in excess NaOH, but the precipitate remains insoluble in NH₃ and dilute HCl. 

Pb\(^{2+}\) ions form a white precipitate (lead(II) hydroxide, Pb(OH)\(_2\)) with both sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and aqueous ammonia (NH\(_3\)), but the precipitate is soluble in excess NaOH, but insoluble in excess NH\(_3\). It's also insoluble in dilute HCl. 

Both Pb\(^{2+}\) and Al\(^{3+}\) form white precipitates soluble in excess NaOH and insoluble in NH\(_3\) and dilute HCl. However, lead(II) chloride, PbCl\(_2\) is slightly soluble in cold HCl and more soluble in hot HCl while AlCl\(_3\) is soluble in HCl.

Since the precipitate is described as insoluble in dilute HCl, Pb\(^{2+}\) is the more likely candidate.


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