How do we differentiate between \[F{e^{3 + }}\] and \[C{r^{3 + }}\] in group \[III\]?
A. By taking excess of \[N{H_4}OH\]
B. By increasing \[N{H_4}^ + \]ion concentration
C. By decreasing \[O{H^ - }\] ion concentration
D. Both \[(b)\]and \[(c)\]
Answer
298.8k+ views
Hint: The group reagent for group \[III\] is \[N{H_4}OH\] in presence of \[N{H_4}Cl\], which leads to formation of their respective hydroxides\[ - {\text{ }}Fe{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\]and \[Cr{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\]. Now minimum quantity of \[dil.\,HCl\] is added and then excess of \[NaOH\] is added boil and filter. The filtrate contains sodium aluminate which separates \[A{l^{3 + }}\] ion another member of this group, and residue is then tested for \[F{e^{3 + }}\] and \[C{r^{3 + }}\].
Complete Step-by-Step Explanation:
In this question \[F{e^{3 + }}\]and \[C{r^{3 + }}\]are given, an aqueous mixture of \[C{r^{3 + }},\,A{l^{3 + }},\,F{e^{3 + }}\]and \[N{i^{2 + }}\] is first treated with a mixture of \[NaOH\] and \[NaOCl\] solutions.
This is cause to the iron and the nickel cations to the precipitation out as the hydroxide salts while the chromium and the aluminium cations can remains in solution,
We can test for \[F{e^{3 + }}\], then we have: Dissolve a part of residue in \[dil.\,HCl\] and solution is divided into two parts:- To first part add potassium ferrocyanide, a Prussian blue colour ppt. of ferric-ferrocyanide is obtained as Prussian blue:
\[FeC{l_3}{\text{ }} + \;3{K_4}Fe{\left( {CN} \right)_6}{\text{ }} - - - - - - - - - > {\text{ }}F{e_4}{\left[ {Fe{{\left( {CN} \right)}_6}} \right]_3}\; + {\text{ }}12{\text{ }}KCl\] Now, test for \[C{r^{3 + }}\], that represents to a portion of residue containing \[Fe{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\] and \[Cr{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\]are heated with \[NaOH\] and bromine water, \[Cr{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\]dissolves forming sodium chromate, and \[Fe{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\] remains as residue, when acetic acid and lead acetate is added to above solution, a yellow ppt. of lead chromate is obtained: \[N{a_2}Cr{O_4}\; + {\text{ }}Pb{\left( {C{H_3}COO} \right)_2}{\text{ }} - - - - - - - - - > {\text{ }}PbCr{O_4} + {\text{ }}2C{H_3}COONa\]
We noticed that \[N{H_4}\] ions are increased to suppress the release of \[O{H^ - }\]ions,
Hence, the solubility product of \[Fe{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\] then the colour of precipitate is different.
Then, \[{k_{sp}}\] value of \[Fe{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\]is less that of \[Cr{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\]. Therefore, the concentration of \[O{H^ - }\]ions in the solution can be limited by either increasing \[N{H_4}\]ion concentration or by decreasing \[O{H^ - }\]ion concentration.
Thus, the correct option is (D): Both \[(b)\]and \[(c)\]
Note: As we know that the group \[III\]radicals contains the elements aluminium, ferrous, and ferric ions. The group reagent is: Salt aqueous solution should be introduced to Ammonium Chloride in the presence of excess Ammonium Hydroxide. However, if ferrous ions (a light green salt) are present, concentrated nitric acid should also be added in order to change the ferrous ions into ferric ions.
Complete Step-by-Step Explanation:
In this question \[F{e^{3 + }}\]and \[C{r^{3 + }}\]are given, an aqueous mixture of \[C{r^{3 + }},\,A{l^{3 + }},\,F{e^{3 + }}\]and \[N{i^{2 + }}\] is first treated with a mixture of \[NaOH\] and \[NaOCl\] solutions.
This is cause to the iron and the nickel cations to the precipitation out as the hydroxide salts while the chromium and the aluminium cations can remains in solution,
We can test for \[F{e^{3 + }}\], then we have: Dissolve a part of residue in \[dil.\,HCl\] and solution is divided into two parts:- To first part add potassium ferrocyanide, a Prussian blue colour ppt. of ferric-ferrocyanide is obtained as Prussian blue:
\[FeC{l_3}{\text{ }} + \;3{K_4}Fe{\left( {CN} \right)_6}{\text{ }} - - - - - - - - - > {\text{ }}F{e_4}{\left[ {Fe{{\left( {CN} \right)}_6}} \right]_3}\; + {\text{ }}12{\text{ }}KCl\] Now, test for \[C{r^{3 + }}\], that represents to a portion of residue containing \[Fe{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\] and \[Cr{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\]are heated with \[NaOH\] and bromine water, \[Cr{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\]dissolves forming sodium chromate, and \[Fe{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\] remains as residue, when acetic acid and lead acetate is added to above solution, a yellow ppt. of lead chromate is obtained: \[N{a_2}Cr{O_4}\; + {\text{ }}Pb{\left( {C{H_3}COO} \right)_2}{\text{ }} - - - - - - - - - > {\text{ }}PbCr{O_4} + {\text{ }}2C{H_3}COONa\]
We noticed that \[N{H_4}\] ions are increased to suppress the release of \[O{H^ - }\]ions,
Hence, the solubility product of \[Fe{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\] then the colour of precipitate is different.
Then, \[{k_{sp}}\] value of \[Fe{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\]is less that of \[Cr{\left( {OH} \right)_3}\]. Therefore, the concentration of \[O{H^ - }\]ions in the solution can be limited by either increasing \[N{H_4}\]ion concentration or by decreasing \[O{H^ - }\]ion concentration.
Thus, the correct option is (D): Both \[(b)\]and \[(c)\]
Note: As we know that the group \[III\]radicals contains the elements aluminium, ferrous, and ferric ions. The group reagent is: Salt aqueous solution should be introduced to Ammonium Chloride in the presence of excess Ammonium Hydroxide. However, if ferrous ions (a light green salt) are present, concentrated nitric acid should also be added in order to change the ferrous ions into ferric ions.
Recently Updated Pages
Normality of 03 M phosphorus acid H3PO3 is A 05 B 06 class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

A molecule with highest bond energy A Fluorine B Chlorine class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

A 30 solution of H2O2 is marketed as 100 volume hydrogen class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

Covalent compounds generally have low melting and boiling class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

When an acid reacts with a metal carbonate or metal class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

The degeneracy of hydrogen atom that has equal energy class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

How to Convert a Galvanometer into an Ammeter or Voltmeter

Other Pages
JEE Advanced Percentile vs Marks 2026: JEE Main Cutoff, AIR & IIT Admission Guide

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Chemistry In Hindi Chapter 1 Some Basic Concepts Of Chemistry - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

What Are Current and Potential Difference in Electricity?

Hybridisation in Chemistry – Concept, Types & Applications

Understanding Geostationary and Geosynchronous Satellites

CBSE Notes Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 5 - Thermodynamics - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

