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Chemical tests to identify common ions

Chemical analysis • Identification of ions

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Ions are charged particles form when atoms gain or lose electrons.
  • Cations are positive ions, and anions are negative ions.
  • Single ionic compounds consist of one cation and one anion, making ion identification focus on their observable behaviours.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

Silver nitrate test results for halides

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Chloride forms a white precipitate, bromide a cream precipitate, and iodide a yellow precipitate with silver nitrate.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Perform carbonate test first with dilute acid; observe fizzing and test gas with limewater.

Acidify samples before sulfate and halide tests to avoid carbonate interference.

Use flame tests for initial screening but confirm results with solution tests.

Differentiate aluminium and zinc ions by their hydroxide solubility in excess sodium hydroxide.

Employ silver nitrate for halide identification, followed by aqueous ammonia for differentiation.

Warm sample with sodium hydroxide to detect ammonium through the evolved ammonia turning red litmus blue.

Consider concentration and contamination; observe faint colours or small precipitates closely.

Confirm with two consistent test results before determining ion identity.

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