what are the limitations of using flame tests to identify ions present in solution?

Answer 1

One limitation in using flame tests for identification is sodium contamination. If you have a cobalt blue glass you can look through it and see some of the covered colors like the purple of potassium. Another is that it only works for metals in Column I and II and copper. You should try to keep the negative ions the same .

Answer 2

I will try to remember this from my chem class many years ago. I think the two problems with a flame test are:

1) Sodium contamination. The sodium flame reaction is so strong that it will tend to overpower other elements. So if any sodium is present, it will mask other elements. It is also very difficult to avoid sodium contamination.

2) Many elements do not have distinctive flame colors.