Potassium tetrachloroaluminate, KAlCl4\text{KAlCl}_4KAlCl4, is an ionic solid investigated as a key component of high-temperature molten salt batteries. A research chemist wants to verify the identity and purity of a synthesized sample of this compound.
Describe a chemical test to identify the Group 1 metal ion present in potassium tetrachloroaluminate. State the expected result of this test.
State the name of one instrumental technique that can be used to both identify this Group 1 metal ion and determine its exact concentration in a liquid sample.
The chemist prepares an aqueous solution of the potassium tetrachloroaluminate and tests for the presence of the other metal ion. Sodium hydroxide solution is added dropwise until a change is observed. State what is observed.
The observation in part (c) is also obtained for two other common metal ions. Describe the additional step the chemist must perform to confirm that the other metal ion in potassium tetrachloroaluminate is indeed present, and state the result of this step.
Finally, the chemist tests for the presence of the halide anion in the potassium tetrachloroaluminate solution. Describe a chemical test to identify these halide ions, and state the expected result.