Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Selective precipitation is a technique in which specific ions are precipitated out of a solution by carefully choosing the precipitating agent and conditions to target only those ions.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Selective precipitation relies on differences in the solubility products (Ksp) of various compounds.
The process can be used to separate ions in a mixture based on their differing solubilities.
Common precipitating agents include salts like sulfates, chlorides, and hydroxides.
pH adjustment is often crucial to enhance the selectivity of the precipitation process.
Qualitative analysis schemes frequently employ selective precipitation to identify and isolate specific ions.
Review Questions
Related terms
Solubility Product (Ksp): An equilibrium constant for a solid substance dissolving in an aqueous solution. It represents the level at which a solute dissolves in solution.
An insoluble solid that emerges from a liquid solution as a result of a chemical reaction or changing conditions such as temperature or pH.
$$ \text{Le Châtelier's Principle} $$: $$\text{A principle stating that if a system at equilibrium is disturbed by an external change, the system will adjust itself to partially counteract the effect of the disturbance and re-establish equilibrium.}$$