Identification of Anions

Question 1

How are Carbonates (CO3^2-) identified?

Answer 1

• Add dilute HNO3 to solid/solution
• If effervescence is seen
• Add lime water
  If lime water goes milky a carbonate anion is present!

Question 2

How are sulphates (SO4^2-) identified?

Answer 2

• Add dilute HCl to solution
• Add BaCl2 solution
  if white ppt is seen a sulphate anion is present!

Question 3

How are chlorides, bromides or iodides identified?

Answer 3

• Add dilute HNO3 to solution
• Add AgNO3 to solution
  If white ppt forms a chloride is present
  If cream ppt forms which dissolves in excess NH3 then a bromide is present
  If a pale yellow ppt forms which does not dissolve in excess NH3 then an Iodide is present.