Tests for halide ions

Using silver nitrate ions

1. Solution of solid is acidified with dilute nitric acid to remove any unwanted ions. 2. Silver nitrate is added: With the chloride ion (Cl-), a white precipitate of silver chloride is formed: Ag+ (aq) + Cl- (aq) AgCl (s) With the bromide ion (Br-), a creamy precipitate of silver bromide is formed: Ag+ (aq) + Br- (aq) AgBr (s) With the iodide ion (I-), a creamy-yellowish precipitate of silver iodide is formed: Ag+ (aq) + l- (aq) Agl (s) 3. Confirming the identity of the ions using aqueous ammonia: With dilute aqueous ammonia, the precipitate AgCl dissolves With Concentrated ammonia, the precipitate AgBr dissolves The precipitate AgI doesnt dissolve in ammonia Why does this happen: The left over silver (I) ions in the solution react with the ammonia to form the diamminesilver (I) ion (Ag(NH3)2)+. This lowers the concentration of the silver (I) ions even more allowing the silver halide precipitate to dissolve.

Using concentrated hydrochloric acid

1. With the chloride ion: NaCl + H2SO4 NaHSO4 + HCl Observation: White fumes of HCl produced. 2. With the bromide and iodide ions: H2SO4 is an oxidizing agent and oxidize HBr and HI into Br2 and I2, and their colours can be seen. With HBr, sulphuric acid is reduced by HBr into SO2 NaBr + H2SO4 NaHSO4 + HBr 2 HBr + H2SO4 H2O + Br2 + SO2 Observation: Br2 is an orange vapour . With NaI, sulphuric acid is reduced by HI into SO2, S and H2S NaI + H2SO4 NaHSO4 + HI 2 HI + H2SO4 2 H2O + I2 + SO2 Observation: A black solid or a purple color in the solution. 6 HI + H2SO4 4 H2O + 3 I2 + S Observation: A yellow solid. 8 Hi + H2SO4 4 H2O + 4 I2 + H2S Observation: Stinky smell.