MCQEasyJEE 2023Salt Analysis (Cations & Anions)

JEE Chemistry 2023 Question with Solution

A solution of FeCl3FeCl_3, when treated with K4[Fe(CN)6]K_4[Fe(CN)_6], gives a prussian blue precipitate due to the formation of:

  • A

    K3[Fe(CN)6]K_3[Fe(CN)_6]

  • B

    Fe[Fe(CN)6]Fe[Fe(CN)_6]

  • C

    Fe3[Fe(CN)6]2Fe_3[Fe(CN)_6]_2

  • D

    Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3Fe_4[Fe(CN)_6]_3

Answer

Correct answer:D

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: A solution of FeCl3FeCl_3 is treated with K4[Fe(CN)6]K_4[Fe(CN)_6].

Find: The compound responsible for the prussian blue precipitate.

Ferric chloride gives Fe3+Fe^{3+} ions in solution, while K4[Fe(CN)6]K_4[Fe(CN)_6] gives [Fe(CN)6]4[Fe(CN)_6]^{4-} ions.

The prussian blue precipitate is the insoluble complex formed by their reaction:

4Fe3++3[Fe(CN)6]4Fe4[Fe(CN)6]34Fe^{3+} + 3[Fe(CN)_6]^{4-} \rightarrow Fe_4[Fe(CN)_6]_3 \downarrow

Therefore, the compound formed is Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3Fe_4[Fe(CN)_6]_3.

The correct option is D. The solution labels option C, but the worked reaction clearly gives Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3Fe_4[Fe(CN)_6]_3, which matches option D.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing ferric ion Fe3+Fe^{3+} with ferrous ion Fe2+Fe^{2+} is incorrect because Prussian blue in this test is formed from Fe3+Fe^{3+} reacting with [Fe(CN)6]4[Fe(CN)_6]^{4-}. First identify the oxidation state of iron from FeCl3FeCl_3.

  • Choosing the option from the listed label in the solution without checking the chemical formula is wrong because the solution text itself forms Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3Fe_4[Fe(CN)_6]_3. Match the derived product with the option content, not only with the printed letter.

  • Ignoring charge balance in the complex formation can lead to incorrect stoichiometry such as Fe3[Fe(CN)6]2Fe_3[Fe(CN)_6]_2. Balance charges between 4Fe3+4Fe^{3+} and 3[Fe(CN)6]43[Fe(CN)_6]^{4-} before selecting the product.

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