Chemistry - Tests for Anions

Silver Nitrate

added to a solution of chloride and deionised water

White Precipitate

forms after silver nitrate solution is added to chloride

Ammonia

dissolves the white precipitate that forms in a test for chloride

Barium Chloride

is added to a solution of sulphate/sulphite

White Precipitate

forms after barium chloride solution is added to a solution of sulphate/sulphite

Dilute HCl

distinguishing test for sulphate and sulphite

Sulphite Dissolves

… in dilute hydrochloric acid, sulphate does not

Sulphate does not Dissolve

…in dilute hydrochloric acid, sulphite does

Dilute HCl

is added to test for carbonate/ hydrogen carbonate anions

Milky

limewater turns this colour when HCl and carbonate/ hydrogen carbonate is bubbled into it, due to the formation of calcium carbonate

Magnesium Sulphate

is added to a solution of the salt to distinguish between carbonate and hydrogen carbonate

White Precipitate

• forms in carbonate after magnesium sulphate is added

• only forms in hydrogen carbonate when it is boiled

Iron (ii) Sulphate and Concentrated Sulfuric Acid

added to a solution of nitrate

Brown Ring

forms after iron (ii) sulphate and concentrated sulfuric acid are added to nitrate solution

Ammonium Molybdate and Concentrated Nitric Acid

added to a solution of phosphate

Yellow Precipitate

forms after ammonium molybdate and concentrated nitric acid are added to phosphate