Question

The presence of $N{H}_4^{+}$ cations in a sample heated with some amount of dilute $NaOH$ is indicated by:

• A. pink precipitate
• B. gas production
• C. pungent smell of urine
• D. both A and C

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

pungent smell of urine

Ammonia belongs to group 5 cations. They have soluble hydroxides and carbonates. They do not precipitate from the qualitative analysis scheme. The solution containing ammonia ions on heating with dilute NaOH produces the peculiar smell of ammonia thus indicating its presence.