cation,anion unknown compound

tyw3724e

how do you identify the cations and anions present in an unknown compound

Depends entirely on what resources are available to you and what kind of cations/anions are possible.

tyw3724e

yes, but thats all i have to go on

boxer.fan

Use an ion selective chromatography column. Simple enough procedure. Choose solvent carefully.
When ions are separated use analytical techniques/instruments at your disposal to identify compounds.

tyw3724e

i don't really understand that, i've only chemistry for a month

j4vier

from my understanding of your question op, you are just looking at general positive tests for anions and cations hence my vague answer.

If you are looking for example for a test for the chloride anion, you take a chloride containing compound such as zinc chloride and you react it with silver nitrate , that represents a positive test for chloride since silver chloride will form. This is an example of a positive test for chloride.

You are reacting two compounds together and looking for a change in colour, formation of precipitates etc

Same thing for cations. You should look at examples of flame tests since different cations will lead to different coloured flames.

tyw3724e

thanks