Tests for Non-metal Ions in Solution (Anions) Flashcards

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What is an anion?

An anion is a negatively charged ion, usually formed when a non-metal atom gains electrons.

Name the main types of non-metal ions in solution you need to test for at GCSE.

Carbonate ions, sulfate ions, and halide ions (chloride, bromide and iodide).

How do you test for carbonate ions in a solution?

Add dilute acid; if carbonate ions are present, bubbles of carbon dioxide gas are given off.

How can you confirm that the gas from a carbonate test is carbon dioxide?

Bubble the gas through limewater; if it turns cloudy (milky), carbon dioxide is present.

How do you test for sulfate ions in a solution?

Add dilute hydrochloric acid, then barium chloride solution; a white precipitate of barium sulfate shows sulfate ions.

Why is dilute hydrochloric acid added before barium chloride in the sulfate test?

It removes carbonate ions, which could also form a white precipitate and give a false positive result.

How do you test for chloride ions in a solution?

Add dilute nitric acid, then silver nitrate solution; a white precipitate of silver chloride shows chloride ions.

How do you test for bromide ions in a solution?

Add dilute nitric acid, then silver nitrate solution; a cream-coloured precipitate of silver bromide shows bromide ions.

How do you test for iodide ions in a solution?

Add dilute nitric acid, then silver nitrate solution; a yellow precipitate of silver iodide shows iodide ions.

Why is dilute nitric acid added before silver nitrate in halide tests?

It removes carbonate and other ions that might form precipitates, so only halide ions give a result.

What is a precipitate?

A precipitate is an insoluble solid that forms when two solutions react.