Chemical Reagents Used to Test for Cations in Solution

Dilute aqueousA solution in which the solvent is water. is called an aqueous solution. It is mostly shown in chemical equations by appending (aq) to the relevant chemical formula. For example, a... More sodium hydroxide, NaOH_(aq), and dilute aqueous ammonia solution, NH_3(aq), are used for the test for cations of inorganic salts in solution.

Generally, the reagents react with the various cations to form hydroxides which may or may not dissolve in water. Based on the action of a cation with these reagents, the cation is identified. However, some of the actions of the cations with these mentioned reagents may not be completely reliable. If a test is very reliable for the identification of a substance, such a test is considered a confirmatory test for such a substance. 

The result of qualitative analysis for ions is reported in a table under the headings test, observation, and inference. The action performed is stated under test, the observations made are recorded under observation and the conclusion or conclusions drawn are reported under inference.