H2S gas when passed through a solution of cations containing HCl precipitates the cations of second group of qualitative analysis but not those belonging to the fourth group. It is because
- presence of HCl decreases the sulphide ion concentration
- solubility product of group II sulphides is more than that of group IV sulphides
- presence of HCl increases the sulphide ion concentration
- sulphides of group IV cations are unstable in HCl.
Answer
(1) presence of HCl decreases the sulphide ion concentration
Solution
H2S 2H+ + S2-
As per NCERT, HCl supplies the common ion H+, which suppresses the ionisation of H2S (common ion effect).
⇒ The concentration of S2- ions becomes very low.
∵ Group II sulphides (CuS, PbS, CdS …) have very low Ksp, their ionic product still exceeds Ksp and they precipitate.
∵ Group IV sulphides (ZnS, MnS, NiS, CoS) have higher Ksp, their ionic product stays below Ksp and they do not precipitate.
∴ The presence of HCl decreases the sulphide ion concentration.
Answer: (1)