Testing for Anions
This table provides the tests and observations used to identify common anions in solution.
Important Notes:
The acidification (adding acid before adding the reagent) with aqueous silver nitrate and aqueous barium nitrate / chloride is done to remove ions that might give a false positive result (The most common ion that is removed by the acid to prevent confusion is the carbonate ion)
The choice of acid has to be considered so that it does not influence the results
For example, aqueous silver nitrate solution should not be acidified with hydrochloric acid as this will form a white precipitate due to the chloride ion in the acid
For example, aqueous barium nitrate / chloride solution should not be acidified with sulfuric acid as this will form a white precipitate due to the sulfate ion in the acid
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Identification of Ions & Gases
IDENTIFICATION OF ANIONS