Tests for ions

• Test for carbonate ions:

  Add a few drops of dilute hydrochloric acid. Bubbles are produced if carbonate ions are present.
• Test for sulfate ions:

  Add a few drops of dilute hydrochloric acid, then a few drops of barium chloride solution. A white precipitate forms if sulfate ions are present.
• Test for halide ions:

  Add a few drops of dilute nitric acid, then a few drops of silver nitrate solution.

  • Chloride, Cl = White
  • Bromide, Br = Cream
  • Iodide, I = Yellow