Title: Analysis of Inorganic Salt (CuSO₄) – Step-by-Step Procedure

Introduction

Copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄) is an inorganic salt composed of copper (Cu²⁺) and sulfate (SO₄²⁻) ions. Its identification and analysis involve qualitative and quantitative techniques to confirm its composition and properties.

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Step-by-Step Analysis of CuSO₄

1. Preliminary Examination

Property	Observation
Solubility	Soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol.
Color	Blue crystalline solid (CuSO₄·5H₂O), white when anhydrous.
Odor	Odorless.

2. Dry Heating Test

Procedure	Observation	Inference	Chemical Equation
Heat a small amount in a dry test tube.	Blue crystals turn white due to loss of water.	Confirms presence of hydrated CuSO₄.	CuSO₄·5H₂O → CuSO₄ + 5H₂O

3. Flame Test

Procedure	Observation	Inference
Moisten platinum wire, dip in CuSO₄, and place in flame.	Green-blue flame observed.	Confirms presence of Cu²⁺ ions.

4. Identification of Copper Ion (Cu²⁺)

a. Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Test

Procedure	Observation	Inference	Chemical Equation
Add NaOH to CuSO₄ solution.	Blue precipitate of Cu(OH)₂ forms.	Confirms presence of Cu²⁺ ions.	CuSO₄ + 2NaOH → Cu(OH)₂ (blue ppt) + Na₂SO₄

b. Ammonia (NH₃) Test

Procedure	Observation	Inference	Chemical Equation
Add NH₃ dropwise to CuSO₄ solution.	Blue precipitate forms, which dissolves in excess NH₃ to give deep blue solution.	Confirms presence of Cu²⁺ ions.	Cu²⁺ + 4NH₃ → [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺ (deep blue solution)

5. Identification of Sulfate Ion (SO₄²⁻)

a. Barium Chloride (BaCl₂) Test

Procedure	Observation	Inference	Chemical Equation
Add BaCl₂ to CuSO₄ solution.	White precipitate of BaSO₄ forms.	Confirms presence of SO₄²⁻ ions.	CuSO₄ + BaCl₂ → BaSO₄ (white ppt) + CuCl₂

b. Lead(II) Acetate (Pb(C₂H₃O₂)₂) Test

Procedure	Observation	Inference	Chemical Equation
Add Pb(C₂H₃O₂)₂ to CuSO₄ solution.	White precipitate of PbSO₄ forms.	Confirms presence of SO₄²⁻ ions.	CuSO₄ + Pb(C₂H₃O₂)₂ → PbSO₄ (white ppt) + Cu(C₂H₃O₂)₂

6. pH Test

Procedure	Observation	Inference	Chemical Equation
Dissolve CuSO₄ in distilled water and test with pH paper.	Slightly acidic pH (~4-5).	CuSO₄ hydrolyzes in water to form H⁺ ions.	Cu²⁺ + H₂O ⇌ CuOH⁺ + H⁺

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Conclusion

The qualitative analysis of CuSO₄ confirms the presence of copper (Cu²⁺) and sulfate (SO₄²⁻) ions through various chemical tests. Its solubility, color change upon heating, and reaction with different reagents provide conclusive evidence of its identity. This systematic analysis is crucial in inorganic chemistry for identifying unknown salts accurately.