A solution containing several metal ions is treated with dilute HCl; no precipitate forms. The pH is adjusted to about 1, and H2S is bubbled through. Again, no precipitate forms. The pH of the solution is then adjusted to about 8. Again, H2S is bubbled through. This time a precipitate forms. The filtrate from this solution is treated with (NH4)2HPO4. No precipitate forms. Which of these metal cations are either possibly present or definitely absent: Al3+, Na+, Ag+, Mg2+?
Ch.17 - Additional Aspects of Aqueous Equilibria
Chapter 17, Problem 79c,d
In the course of various qualitative analysis procedures, the following mixtures are encountered: (c) Mg2+ and K+ (d) Ag+ and Mn2+. Suggest how each mixture might be separated.

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Identify the chemical properties of Ag^+ and Mn^2+ that can be used for separation.
Consider the solubility rules: Ag^+ forms an insoluble chloride (AgCl) when reacted with Cl^- ions, while Mn^2+ does not.
Add a source of chloride ions, such as HCl, to the mixture to precipitate AgCl, leaving Mn^2+ in solution.
Filter the mixture to separate the solid AgCl from the aqueous Mn^2+ ions.
Wash the precipitate to remove any remaining Mn^2+ ions and confirm the separation by testing the filtrate for the presence of Mn^2+.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Qualitative Analysis
Qualitative analysis is a branch of chemistry that focuses on identifying the components of a mixture rather than quantifying them. It involves various techniques to separate and detect ions or compounds based on their chemical properties. Understanding qualitative analysis is essential for determining how to separate specific ions, such as Ag<sup>+</sup> and Mn<sup>2+</sup>, from a mixture.
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Precipitation Reactions
Precipitation reactions occur when two soluble salts react to form an insoluble compound, or precipitate. This concept is crucial for separating ions in a mixture, as specific reagents can be added to selectively precipitate one ion while leaving the other in solution. For example, adding chloride ions can precipitate Ag<sup>+</sup> as AgCl, allowing for the separation from Mn<sup>2+</sup>.
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Solubility Rules
Solubility rules are guidelines that predict the solubility of various ionic compounds in water. These rules help chemists determine which compounds will dissolve and which will precipitate under certain conditions. In the context of separating Ag<sup>+</sup> and Mn<sup>2+</sup>, knowing the solubility of their respective salts is vital for choosing the right reagents and conditions for effective separation.
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Related Practice
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Suggest how the cations in each of the following solution mixtures can be separated: (c) Pb2 + and Al3 +.
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(b) What is the most significant difference between the sulfides precipitated in group 2 and those precipitated in group 3?
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Derive an equation similar to the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation relating the pOH of a buffer to the pKb of its base component.