An unknown material has just arrived in the lab. We examine it with our stereomicroscope and find it to be a single phase, white colored, crystalline, opaque, dry powder. There is a sufficient amount of sample for WDXRF analysis which shows an elemental composition of approximately 60% fluorine, 21% nitrogen, 14% silicon and 4% chlorine. FTIR analysis shows NH4+ bonding along with Si-F bonding. A search of the FTIR database reveals a very good match with ammonium hexafluorosilicate. Total time spent performing the analysis was less than 3 hours!
Notice that each of the three steps in our analytical process – microscopic examination, elemental analysis, chemical bonding – helps to confirm the identity of the sample and eliminate most other possibilities. We can report with confidence that the unknown material is principally ammonium hexafluorosilicate, with probably a little ammonium chloride as a minor component.
Our modern technology may not be magic, but it’s still impressive nonetheless.