X --(Δ, conc. H3PO4)--> Y↑ ; Y↑ --(FeCl3 vapour)--> Z↑ (coloured vapours) ; Y↑ --(AgNO3)--> Q↓ (solu — Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: When NaOH is added to the mixture containing Al3+, Zn2+, and Cu2+, all of them initially form hydroxide precipitates. Step 2: Since Al(OH)3 and Zn(OH)2 are amphoteric, they dissolve in excess NaOH to form soluble aluminate ([Al(OH)4]-) and zincate ([Zn(OH)4]2-) complexes. Step 3: In contrast, Cu(OH)2 is a basic hydroxide and remains insoluble as a characteristic blue precipitate, allowing both the identification and separation of Cu2+ in one step, matching option (c).