Testing for Anions

Question 1

Observation of phosphate

Answer 1

Yellow precipitate is formed

Question 1

To test for Chloride

Answer 1

Add a few drops of AgNO3 solution to a solution of the solid

Question 2

To test for nitrate

Answer 2

Brown Ring test.
To a solution of the solid add a freshly prepared FeSO4 solution. Add concentrated solution. Add concentrated sulfuric acid

Question 3

Observation of sulfate or sulfite

Answer 3

A white precipitate is formed
If precipitate remains (sulfate)
If precipitate dissolves (sulfite)

Question 4

Observation of carbonate or hydrocarbonate

Answer 4

Fizzing. A gas is given off that turns limewater milky.
White precipitate forms (carbonate)
No precipitate forms (hydrocarbonate)
Boiling gives a precipitate

Question 5

To test for sulfate or sulfite

Answer 5

1. Add BaCl2 solution to a solution of the solid
2. Distinguishing test. Add dilute HCl

Question 5

To test for carbonate or hydrocarbonate

Answer 5

1. Add dilute HCl to the solid
2. Distinguishing test. Add MgSO4 to a fresh solution of the solid

Question 6

Observation of chloride

Answer 6

A white precipitate is formed which is soluble in dilute ammonia solution

Question 7

To test for phosphate

Answer 7

Ammonium molybdate is added to a solution of the solid. Concentrated nitric acid is added. Solution is warmed

Question 8

Observation of nitrate

Answer 8

A brown ring is formed at the junction of the 2 liquids (nitrate ion present)