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Which of the following reagents will be useful in separating a mixture of Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions?           
  • a)
    H2S in alkaline medium                                          
  • b)
    H2S in acidic medium           
  • c)
    Excess of NaOH solution             
  • d)
    Na2S in neutral medium
Correct answer is option 'A,B,C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following reagents will be useful in separating a mixture...
Separating a Mixture of Zn2+ and Cu2+ Ions

To separate a mixture of Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions, we can utilize different reagents based on their chemical properties. The suitable reagents for this purpose are:

a) H2S in alkaline medium
b) H2S in acidic medium
c) Excess of NaOH solution
d) Na2S in neutral medium

Let's discuss each reagent and its role in the separation process:

a) H2S in alkaline medium:

- When hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is added to an alkaline medium, it forms a precipitate of metal sulfides.
- In the presence of OH- ions, H2S reacts with Zn2+ ions to form a white precipitate of zinc sulfide (ZnS).
- Cu2+ ions do not react with H2S in an alkaline medium and remain in solution.
- By filtering the precipitate, we can separate Zn2+ ions from Cu2+ ions.

b) H2S in acidic medium:

- In an acidic medium, H2S reacts with both Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions to form precipitates of respective metal sulfides.
- Zn2+ ions react with H2S to form a white precipitate of zinc sulfide (ZnS).
- Cu2+ ions react with H2S to form a black precipitate of copper sulfide (CuS).
- By filtering the mixture, we can separate both Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions based on the color difference of their precipitates.

c) Excess of NaOH solution:

- When excess sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution is added, it forms precipitates of metal hydroxides.
- Zn2+ ions react with NaOH to form a white precipitate of zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2).
- Cu2+ ions also react with NaOH to form a blue precipitate of copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2).
- By filtering the mixture, we can separate both Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions based on the color difference of their precipitates.

d) Na2S in neutral medium:

- Sodium sulfide (Na2S) in a neutral medium can be used to selectively precipitate Cu2+ ions.
- Zn2+ ions do not react with Na2S in a neutral medium and remain in solution.
- By filtering the precipitate, we can separate Cu2+ ions from Zn2+ ions.

In summary, the reagents H2S in alkaline medium, H2S in acidic medium, and excess NaOH solution can be used to separate a mixture of Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions based on the formation of different precipitates. Na2S in a neutral medium can selectively precipitate Cu2+ ions.
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Which of the following reagents will be useful in separating a mixture...
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Which of the following reagents will be useful in separating a mixture of Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions?a)H2S in alkaline mediumb)H2S in acidic mediumc)Excess of NaOH solutiond)Na2S in neutral mediumCorrect answer is option 'A,B,C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following reagents will be useful in separating a mixture of Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions?a)H2S in alkaline mediumb)H2S in acidic mediumc)Excess of NaOH solutiond)Na2S in neutral mediumCorrect answer is option 'A,B,C'. Can you explain this answer? for Chemistry 2025 is part of Chemistry preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Chemistry exam syllabus. Information about Which of the following reagents will be useful in separating a mixture of Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions?a)H2S in alkaline mediumb)H2S in acidic mediumc)Excess of NaOH solutiond)Na2S in neutral mediumCorrect answer is option 'A,B,C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Chemistry 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the following reagents will be useful in separating a mixture of Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions?a)H2S in alkaline mediumb)H2S in acidic mediumc)Excess of NaOH solutiond)Na2S in neutral mediumCorrect answer is option 'A,B,C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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