A clear visual summary of the qualitative tests for six common metal ions using aqueous sodium hydroxide and aqueous ammonia.

The resource covers Mg²⁺, Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺, showing the observations when each reagent is added dropwise and then in excess. Precipitate colours, solubility in excess reagent and the characteristic deep royal-blue solution formed by Cu²⁺ in excess ammonia are clearly illustrated.

Alongside the observations are the relevant ionic equations with state symbols, including the reactions of aluminium and zinc hydroxides with excess hydroxide ions and the formation of soluble zinc and copper ammine complexes in excess ammonia.

An important comparison is highlighted: aqueous sodium hydroxide cannot distinguish Al³⁺ from Zn²⁺ because they give the same observations, whereas aqueous ammonia gives a different overall result for each of the six ions and allows all six to be distinguished.

Designed as a concise classroom reference for GCSE, IGCSE and A-level Chemistry, it is suitable for teaching, practical preparation, revision and display.

The resource also directs students to the FranklyChemistry Chemistry Experiments collection, where the tests can be viewed as animated demonstrations