Tests for Anions

Anion Symbol Test Results

Add silver nitrate solution to a solution of substance in dilute Pale yellow precipitate, dissolves slightly in
Bromide Br-
nitric acid ammonia solution.
Carbon dioxide gas is given off.
a)Add dilute hydrochloric acid to the substance.
Carbonate CO32-
b)Add drop of phenolphthalein to a solution of substance.
Turns bright pink (HCO3 turns light pink).
Thick white precipitate dissolves in ammonia
Chloride Cl- Add silver nitrate to a solution of substance in dilute nitric acid.
solution.
Carbon dioxide gas is given off.
a)Add dilute hydrochloric acid to the substance.
Hydrogen-
HCO32-
carbonate
b)Add drop of phenolphthalein to a solution of substance.
Turns light pink (CO32- turns bright pink).
Pale yellow precipitate, does not dissolve in
Iodide I- Add silver nitrate to a solution of substance in dilute nitric acid.
ammonia solution.
Add iron(II) sulfate solution followed by concentrated sulfuric
Nitrate NO3- Brown ring forms at the junction of the two liquids.
acid to the solution
White precipitate, does not dissolve in dilute
Sulfate SO42- Add solution of barium chloride to the solution.
hydrochloric acid.
White precipitate, does dissolve in dilute
Sulfite SO32- Add solution of barium chloride to the solution.
hydrochloric acid.
Sulfide S2- Add lead(II) ethanoate solution to the solution. Black precipitate
 Tests for Cations
Cation Symbol Test Results
a)Add dilute sodium hydroxide solution to a solution of White precipitate that dissolves as more sodium hydroxide
the substance. solution is added.

Aluminum Al3+
White precipitate that does not dissolve as more ammonia
b)Add dilute ammonia solution to a solution of the solution is added.
substance.
Add sodium hydroxide solution to a solution of the Ammonia gas is given off.
Ammonium NH4+
substance and gently heat.
Add dilute sulfric acid to a solution of the substance White precipitate formed.
Calcium Ca2+
Also try flame test
a)Add dilute sodium hydroxide solution to a solution of Pale blue precipitate that dissolves as more sodium
the substance. hydorxide is added.\.

Copper (II) Cu2+ b)Add dilute ammonia solution to a solution of the Pale blue precipitate, changing to deep blue solution as
substance. more ammonia is added.

Also try flame test

a)Add dilute sodium hydroxide solution to a solution of Pale green precipitate formed.
the substance.
Iron(II) Fe2+
b)Add dilute ammonia solution to a solution of the Pale green precipitate formed.
substance.
 a)Add dilute sodium hydroxide solution to a solution of Red-brown precipitate formed.
the substance.
Iron(III) Fe3+
b)Add dilute ammonia solution to a solution of the Red-brown precipitate formed.
substance.
a)Add dilute sodium hydroxide solution to a solution of White precipitate, that does dissolve as more sodium
the substance. hydroxide is added.

b)Add dilute ammonia solution to a solution of the White precipitate that does not dissolve as more ammonia
Lead(II) Pb2+
substance. is added.

Use flame test to distinguish between lead and

alumminum.
a)Add dilute sodium hydroxide solution to a solution of White precipitate, that does not dissolve as more sodium
the substance. hydroxide is added.
Magnesium Mg2+
White precipitate that does not dissolve as more ammonia
b)Add dilute ammonia solution to a solution of the is added.
substance.
a)Add dilute sodium hydroxide solution to a solution of White precipitate, that dissolve as more sodium hydroxide
the substance. is added.
Zinc Zn2+
b)Add dilute ammonia solution to a solution of the White precipitate that dissolve as more ammonia is added.
substance.