Is there a way to test for $\ce{MgO}$ and $\ce{CaO}$?
I want to prove that $\ce{MgO}$ and $\ce{CaO}$ are created from their respective calcinations.
$$\ce{MgCO3 (s)->[heat] MgO(s) + CO2(g)}$$
$$\ce{CaCO3 (s)->[heat] CaO(s) + CO2(g)}$$
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Sign up to join this communityIs there a way to test for $\ce{MgO}$ and $\ce{CaO}$?
I want to prove that $\ce{MgO}$ and $\ce{CaO}$ are created from their respective calcinations.
$$\ce{MgCO3 (s)->[heat] MgO(s) + CO2(g)}$$
$$\ce{CaCO3 (s)->[heat] CaO(s) + CO2(g)}$$
Test for formation of metal oxides
The formation of metal oxides can be tested by their reaction with water. Magnesium oxide is almost insoluble in water(0.0086 g/100 mL (30 °C)) and magnesium hydroxide is formed in only negligible amount. However calcium oxide is soluble in water and forms calcium hydroxide to a large extent.
Differentiating magnesium oxide and calcium oxide
You can differentiate magnesium oxide and calcium oxide through salt analysis. Magnesium oxide is primarily $\ce{Mg^2+}$ and calcium oxide $\ce{Ca^2+}$. For $\ce{Mg^2+}$, use ammonium phosphate test (forms mainly white crystalline mineral or struvite)
$$\ce{Mg^2+ + NH4+ + PO4^{3−} <=> MgNH4PO4↓->[H2O] MgNH4PO4⋅6H2O}$$
$\ce{Ca^2+}$ is detected through ammonium oxalate test (a white precipitate is formed)
$$\ce{Ca^2+ + C2O4^{2−} + 2H2O ⟶ CaC2O4 ⋅2H2O}$$
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