Qualitative 

Analysis 
of Anions  
Emily Carroll
1st Hour  
 
 
 
 
U​nknown #14:  
 
Three Ions present: ​NO​3​-, Br-, SO​4-2

Testing for Nitrate Ion

To begin, after adding 6M NaOH to the unknown solution, the solution turned​ ​basic.​ A
​ fter
transferring the solution into another test tube, aluminum granules were added to the solution.
Continuing to set up the test tube, a cotton ball was placed half way down the test tube and a
piece of moist litmus paper was hung over the top of the test tube. When heated on a hot water
bath, the litmus paper changed from ​pink to blue​ which confirmed the presence of ​nitrate ions.
● Net equation: 3No3- (aq) + 8Al (s) + 5 OH- (aq) + 18H20(l) 3NH3(g) +

8Al(OH)4-

Testing for Bromine Ion

After performing the test for the iodine ions and them not being present, the mineral oil was
drawn up from the test tube and discarded. Next, KMn04 was added and stirred until the solution
remained ​pink. ​Once 1ml more of mineral oil was added, a ​yellow to brown ​precipitate formed
confirming the ​bromine ions.
● Net equation: 10Br-(aq) + 2MnO4-(aq) + 16H+ (aq) 5Br2(aq) + 2Mn+2(aq)

+8H2O (l)

Testing for Sulfate Ions

To begin, 0.5 ml of the unknown solution was placed in a test tube. Then, 6M nitric acid was
added until the solution was ​acidic. ​After adding 0.5ml of BaCl2, a ​white ​precipitate formed
confirming the ​sulfate ions​ were present.
● Net equation: So4-2(aq) + Ba+2(aq) BaSO4(s)