Inorganic Chemistry (ICH602S)
Practical 3: Detection of Anions
3 August 2015
Chemists often have to identify the composition of unknown substances. This experiment involves
identifying the anions in various salt solutions.
Part A:
Write all your observations, balanced chemical equations and identify the anions in solution.
1. Procedure: Add a few drops of barium nitrate (chloride) to 1 ml of sulfate solution and
observe what is formed.
2. Procedure: Add a few drops of silver nitrate solution to a test tube containing 0.5 - 1.0 ml of
chloride solution and observe. Transfer a portion of the product to another test tube and
add drop by drop 2M NH3∙H2O solution, observe what is happening to product.
3. Procedure: Add a few drops of silver nitrate solution to 1 ml of iodide solution and observe
what is formed.
Part B:
What to do
1. Dissolve the unknown substance in deionised water. 5–10 cm3 needed.
2. Using the analysis table, test small aliquots (portions).
3. Repeat for the other unknown substances.
What to record
Sample
Test Performed
Result of Test (observations
etc) & Identify Anion
Testing for Unknown A, B & C
Add a few drops of dilute nitric acid (Irritant) to the unknown solutions (A, B and C) followed by a
few drops of silver nitrate solution. After observation, Add ammonia solution
Testing for Unknown D
Add a few drops of barium chloride solution (Toxic) to unknown followed by a few drops of dilute
hydrochloric acid.
Testing for Unknown E
Add dilute hydrochloric acid to the solution (or add it to the solid).