How do you tests for carbonate ions?
Add dilute HCl, effervescence suggests carbonate. Then bubble through limewater. Turns cloudy indicates CO2, and therefore carbonate.
How to test for sulphate ions?
Add dilute HCl then add BaCl2 to form white precipitate of BaSO4.
Why do we add HCl when testing for sulphate ions?
To remove any anions that would otherwise interfere with the results by giving false positives.
How to test for Cl- ions?
Add AgNO3 = white precipitate. Dissolves in dilute NH3.
How to test for Br- ions?
Add AgNO3 = cream precipitate, dissolves in concentrated NH3.
How to test for I- ions?
Add AgNO3 = yellow precipitate, doesn’t dissolve in concentrated NH3.