Chemical Tests

Introduction to Chemical Tests

• Chemical tests are procedures used to identify the presence of certain chemicals or ions in a sample.
• Key ions often tested for include cations (+ charged ions) like copper (II), ammonium and calcium, and anions (- charged ions) like chlorides, sulfates and carbonates.
• These tests are based on the specific reactions that these ions undergo, often leading to colour changes, precipitation or the evolution of gas.

Common Tests for Cations

• For ammonium ions (NH4+), you add sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and heat the mixture. The presence of ammonium ions is confirmed if ammonia gas, which turns damp red litmus paper blue, is given off.
• The test for calcium ions (Ca2+) involves adding sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which generates a white precipitate if calcium ions are present.
• The flame test is used for various cations. For example, copper (II) gives a blue-green flame, sodium gives a yellow-orange flame and potassium gives a lilac flame.

Common Tests for Anions

• Test for chlorides involves adding nitric acid (HNO3) followed by silver nitrate (AgNO3). If a white precipitate forms, chlorides are present.
• For sulfate ions (SO4 2-), you first add dilute hydrochloric acid, then barium chloride (BaCl2). The appearance of a white precipitate indicates the presence of sulfate ions.
• Carbonate ions (CO3 2-) react with acids to produce carbon dioxide, which can be confirmed by passing the gas through limewater – it will turn from clear to cloudy in the presence of carbon dioxide.

Safety Considerations in Chemical Testing

• Most chemicals used in these tests can be dangerous, therefore they must be handled with care.
• Wearing protective eyewear, gloves and lab coats is crucial to prevent any harm.
• It’s important to test in a well-ventilated area, especially when gases might be evolved in a reaction.

Besides the specific reactions and observation of results, understanding the principle behind each test is important in chemical testing. This will aid in grasifying chemical behaviours and reactivity profiles.