In the standard analysis of Group IV cations (), passing through a basic buffer () precipitates all — Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Chemistry Question
Question
In the standard analysis of Group IV cations ($Zn^{2+}, Mn^{2+}, Co^{2+}, Ni^{2+}$), passing $H_2S$ through a basic buffer ($NH_4OH/NH_4Cl$) precipitates all four sulphides. If, instead, $H_2S$ is passed through a strongly acidic solution ($>0.5\text{ M HCl}$) containing these same four ions, what will precipitate?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Group IV sulphides have relatively high $K_{sp}$ values. The high concentration of $H^+$ in a $>0.5\text{ M HCl}$ solution strongly suppresses the ionization of $H_2S$ (common ion effect). The resulting $S^{2-}$ concentration is so incredibly low that it cannot exceed the $K_{sp}$ for any Group IV sulphide, resulting in zero precipitation.