What reagent would allow you to distinguish between BaS and NiSO4? (As if using an analysis scheme)

To distinguish between BaS (barium sulfide) and NiSO4 (nickel sulfate), you can utilize an analysis scheme involving specific reagents. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. Firstly, you need to identify the ions present in each compound. BaS dissociates into Ba2+ (barium ion) and S2- (sulfide ion), while NiSO4 dissociates into Ni2+ (nickel ion) and SO4 2- (sulfate ion).

2. In order to distinguish Ba2+ from Ni2+, you can use sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) as a reagent. When Na2SO4 is added to a Ba2+ solution, it will produce a white precipitate of BaSO4 (barium sulfate). This is because Ba2+ reacts with SO4 2- to form an insoluble compound (BaSO4) that can be easily visually identified.

3. However, when Na2SO4 is added to a Ni2+ solution, no visible reaction or precipitate is formed. Nickel sulfate (NiSO4) remains in solution as Ni2+ ions do not form insoluble compounds with sulfate ions.

By performing these steps, you can differentiate between BaS (formation of BaSO4 precipitate) and NiSO4 (no visible reaction).