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Tech Report

INQUAL-S

Victor I. Bendall and Sean Johnson

Department of Chemistry, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY 40475

J. Chem. Educ., 2000, 77 (7), p 936

DOI: 10.1021/ed077p936

Publication Date (Web): July 1, 2000

Abstract

INQUAL-S is a simulation of inorganic qualitative analysis using the insolubility of sulfides as the main avenue to separation. This simulation allows for the identification of eighteen common cations in a mixture of their nitrates. The separation and testing methods used by this software allow the user to approximate those of Hogness, Johnson, and Armstrong (1) and to a lesser extent, those of King (2).

INQUAL-S allows students to start with a solution of known identity with 1-18 cations or with a sample containing from 1-10 cations that are randomly selected by the computer and not known to the user. The cations are divided into groups depending upon whether they give insoluble chlorides, acid insoluble sulfides, base insoluble sulfides, insoluble carbonates, and none of the previous classes. Each group is then subjected to a variety of reagents to individually identify each cation.

If the suggested scheme is followed, INQUAL-S reproduces the expected behavior of these cations and results in the successful identification of each cation present in the original mixture. However, INQUAL-S allows the user to add any of the reagents supplied in any order and in any amount. So, just as in the real laboratory, a wrong reagent at the wrong time in the wrong amount can lead to results that can be very difficult to interpret.