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Transition Metals

Precipitates with aqueous ammonia and their dissolution

  • 3 things to know
  • Unit A2 2

Overview

Recall questions on ammonia acting first as a base and then as a ligand, the precipitates given by chromium(III), copper(II), cobalt(II) and nickel(II) and their colours in excess ammonia, the three that do not dissolve, distinguishing copper from iron(III) and chromium from nickel, and why the test is qualitative.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why does aqueous ammonia precipitate a metal hydroxide?

Key term

What is seen when a little aqueous ammonia is added to chromium(III) solution?

Key term

What is seen when a little aqueous ammonia is added to copper(II) solution, and then more?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Why does aqueous ammonia precipitate a metal hydroxide?

    Model answer

    Ammonia is a weak base, so it produces hydroxide ions in water which precipitate the metal hydroxide.

  2. 2

    What two roles can aqueous ammonia play in these tests?

    Model answer

    It acts first as a base, precipitating the hydroxide, and then in excess as a ligand, dissolving some of the precipitates as ammine complexes.

  3. 3

    What is seen when a little aqueous ammonia is added to chromium(III) solution?

    Model answer

    A green precipitate of chromium(III) hydroxide forms.

  4. 4

    What happens to that precipitate in excess ammonia?

    Model answer

    It dissolves to give a violet or purple solution as the hexaamminechromium(III) ion forms.

  5. 5

    What is seen when a little aqueous ammonia is added to copper(II) solution, and then more?

    Model answer

    A pale blue precipitate forms first and then dissolves in excess to a deep blue solution.

  6. 6

    What is seen when aqueous ammonia is added to cobalt(II) solution in excess?

    Model answer

    The blue precipitate dissolves to give a straw-coloured or pale brown solution.

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