Problems with flame tests
Test for ammonium ions
-Add sodium hydroxide and warm the mixture
Reaction for testing for ammonium ions
NH4+ + OH- –> NH3 + H2O
Why is concentrated HCL used in flame tests?
To convert a metal compound to a chloride- chlorides are more volatile than other salts give better results
Colour of Li+
red
Colour of Na+
yellow/ orange
Colour of K+
lilac
Colour of Rb+
red/ purple
Colour of Cs+
blue/ violet
Colour of Be2+
(no colour)
Colour of Mg2+
(no colour)
Colour of Ca2+
brick red
Colour of Sr2+
crimson red
Colour of Ba2+
apple green
What type of wire for flame tests?
platinum or nichrome wire