Never place excess unknown back in the reagent bottle, for this can contaminate the stock material. Consult your instructor for proper disposal. Using the tests outlined below prepare a qualitative analysis scheme that should permit you to unequivocally determine the identities of the unknowns. This scheme should be prepared before conducting this experiment. You may then choose your own order of testing.
Some orders are more efficient than others are.
Try to develop a scheme that minimizes the number of test tubes you must use. Use Table 1 as a guide to the physical and chemical properties of the household chemicals to be identified. Prepare this analysis scheme before coming to laboratory. To mix the contents, hold the top of the test tube securely between your thumb and index finger and gently slap the bottom of the test tube with the index finger of your opposite hand. Be careful so that none of the solution spills out.