Tests for Sulfates

Question 1

Test to see if a compound contains sulfate ions

Answer 1

1. Add hydrochloric acid (HCI) to remove any carbonates in. These could precipitate out after adding barium chloride giving a false result.
2. Add barium chloride

Question 2

If there are Sulfates there will be a

Answer 2

White precipitate

Question 3

What is the white precipitate

Answer 3

Barium sulfate (insoluble)

Question 4

Some equations

Answer 4

Ba2+
"(an) + S0,
(ag)
> BaSO A(s)
BaCl2(ag) + ZnSO A(ag)
-> BaS0 A(s) + ZnCl2(ag)