JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3qc122
The test for NHX4X+ is always performed on a portion of the original solution (with NaOH or Nessler's reagent), and not on the filtrate from later groups, because
ANHX4X+ is precipitated along with group I as NHX4Cl
BNHX4Cl, NHX4OH and (NHX4)X2COX3 are added as reagents during the group separation, so ammonium ions would always be found
CNHX4X+ is oxidised by HX2S in group II
Dthe filtrate after group V is always strongly acidic and gives no NHX3
Answer: B
Several group reagents introduce ammonium ions. A positive test for NHX4X+ after these steps would therefore be meaningless, so the test is done on the untreated original solution. NHX4Cl is soluble and is not precipitated in group I.