Question
Question: What is the test to distinguish between \[ZnS{O_4}\] and \[ZnC{l_2}\]?...
What is the test to distinguish between ZnSO4 and ZnCl2?
Solution
Zinc sulfate is an inorganic compound. It is used as a supplement to treat zinc deficiency and to prevent the condition in those at high risk. Zinc chloride and its hydrates are chemical compounds. Zinc chlorides, which come in nine different crystalline shapes, are colorless or white and highly soluble in water.
Complete answer:
1. When we add BaCl2 to the zinc sulfate solution, the following reaction occurs
ZnSO4+BaCl2→BaSO4↓+ZnCl2
Here BaSO4 is the white precipitate.
2. When we add BaCl2 to the zinc chloride solution, the following reaction occurs
ZnCl2+BaCl2→ No visual effect
That is, here white precipitate is not formed.
So by adding BaCl2 to each of the solutions helps to distinguish between ZnSO4 and ZnCl2.
Additional information:
Zinc sulphate and zinc chloride are used in a variety of applications on a small scale. In agriculture, the former is used as a weed killer and to defend against pests. It is also a key ingredient in the viscose rayon manufacturing process precipitating bath. It is one of the most popular barium salts that are water soluble. It is white, acidic, and gives a flame a yellow-green tint, much like most other barium salts.
Note:
It is important that we remember that when BaCl2 is added to the ZnSO4 and ZnCl2, ZnSO4 gives a white precipitate while ZnCl2 does not give precipitate. Keep in mind that the aqueous solution gives a white precipitate with barium chloride solution. The precipitate is not soluble in mineral acids.