Testing for anions and cations

Test for halide ions:

1. Add nitric acid
2. Add silver nitrate
If halide ions present then a precipitate would be formed. White for Chloride ions, cream for Bromide
ions and yellow for iodide ions. Further tests can be done to distinguish between the white and cream
precipitates. Add Concentrated ammonia to the cream precipitate and if it dissolves, then Bromide ions
are present. Add Dilute ammonia to the white precipitate and if it dissolves, chloride ions are present.
If yellow or cream precipitate, then potassium chloride and potassium bromide identified.

If a white precipitate, test for group 2 cations:

Add excess H2SO4
If Mg present, then a colourless solution formed.
If Ba present, then a white precipitate is formed.

If neither then ammonium ions or potassium ions are present.

So test for Ammonium ions:
To the solution add NaOH and shake
Warm solution in a water bath
Hold damp red litmus to the tube and if present then the litmus paper turns blue.
If the test doesn’t work then potassium chloride is present.
If no precipitate formed from first halide ion test, then test for sulfate ions:
Add dilute HCl
Add Barium Chloride
White precipitate formed if present.

Test for carbonate ions:

Add dilute acid and if effervescence (from CO2) is present, then potassium carbonate is present.

Test for hydroxide ions:

Place damp red litmus paper into a test tube
Ions present if litmus paper turns blue
 Hazard Risk Precaution
Concentrated ammonia Corrosive Wear goggles
Dilute HCl Irritant Wear goggles and gloves
Sulfuric acid irritant Wear goggles and gloves
Barium Chloride Harmful Wear gloves

A B C D E F G H I

Bibliography:

https://pmt.physicsandmathstutor.com/download/Chemistry/A-level/Notes/
AQA/Practical-Skills/RP%2004%20-%20Identification%20of%20cations%20and
%20anions.pdf.
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https://coggle.it/diagram/XmXwsWVe00PgMcA3/t/chemical-tests.
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