Tests for Halides using Silver Nitrate

Question 1

Describe the process to test for halides using silver nitrate.

Answer 1

1. Add nitric acid
2. Add silver nitrate
3. Observe precipitate colour

Question 2

Why do we add nitric acid first?

Answer 2

to react with carbonate and sulfite ions and prevent them from interfering with the resulting precipitate colours

Question 3

What colour precipitate do chloride ions (Cl^-) form when reacting with silver nitrate (AgNO₃)?

Answer 3

White

Question 4

What colour precipitate do bromide ions (Br^-) form when reacting with silver nitrate (AgNO₃)?

Answer 4

Cream

Question 5

What colour precipitate do iodide ions (I^-) form when reacting with silver nitrate (AgNO₃)?

Answer 5

Yellow