Anion Tests

Chemistry

Chloride

Add AgNO3

White precipitate should form that’s soluble in ammonia

Chloride equation

Ag + + Cl- → AgCl downward arrow

Sulfate

Add BaCl2.

White precipitate should form → sulfate/sulfite present

Add dilute HCl

White precipitate remains → sulfate

Sulfate equations

Ba2 + + SO4 2- → BaSO4 downward arrow

BaSO4 + HCl → no reaction

Sulfite

Add BaCl2.

White precipitate should form.

Add dilute HCL

White precipitate dissolves → sulfite ions

Sulfite equations

Ba2 + + SO4 2- → BaSO4 downward arrow

SO3 2- + 2H + → SO2 + H2O

Carbonate

Add dilute HCl

Fizzing. A gas is given off that turns limewater milky

Add MgSO4 to a fresh solution of the solid

White precipitate forms → carbonate

Carbonate equations

CO3 2- + 2H+ → CO2 + H2O

Mg 2+ + CO3 2- → MgCO3 downward arrow

Hydrogencarbonate

Add dilute HCl

Fizzing. A gas is given off that turns limewater milky

Add MgSO4 to a fresh solution of the solid

No precipitate forms → hydrogencarbonate ions

boiling gives a precipitate

Nitrate ions

Add cold, freshly prepared, saturated iron (II) sulfate

Using a dropper, add conc. sulfuric acid down the side of the slanted test tube

A brown ring should form at the junction of the two layers

Phosphate ions

Add ammonium molybdate
Using a dropper, add conc. nitric acid
Place in warm water
Yellow precipitate should form