Exp #: 11

Date: Feb 29, 2016

Topic: Group VII elements
Aim: To identify the halide ions present in unknown solids A, B and C using silver nitrate
solution followed by aqueous ammonia and concentrated sulphuric acid.
Apparatus & materilas: test tubes, test tube rack, soilds A, B, C, silver nitrate solution, aqueous
ammonia, concentrated sulphuric acid, Bunsen burner, splint,
litmus paper, distilled water.
Method:
1. Dissolve a small portion of each solid in separate test tubes
2. Add a few drops of silver nitrate solution to the solution of each unknown.
3. Allow about 2 minutes to elapse, then add aqueous ammonia to the same test tube the
silver nitrate was added.
4. Record all observations in a suitable table.
5. To fresh solid samples of the unknown, A, in a test tube add concentrated sulphuric acid
carefully to the test tube and test for any gases evolved.
6. Repeat only the step above for the other solids B and C.
7. Record observations in a suitable table.
Results: Created your tables using the headings Test, Observation, Inference.
Test Observation Inference
A + AgNO3 ● Cream ppt formed Bromide ions present

Followed by NH3(aq) ● Ppt. did not fully Ag+ + Br-  AgBr

dissolve

B + AgNO3 ● White ppt formed, Chloride ions present

slightly purple-grey

Followed by NH3(aq) Ag+ + Cl-  AgCl

● Completely dissolves
in ammonia
C + AgNO3 ● Yellow ppt formed Ag+ + I-  AgI

● Does not dissolve in

ammonia
Followed by NH3(aq)
 Test Observation Inference
A + Conc. H2SO4 Reddish-brown gas evolved Bromine gas evolved

B + Conc. H2SO4 White fumes formed, Hydrogen chloride gas

pungent gas evolved turns evolved,
blue litmus red
Chlorine ions present

C + Conc. H2SO4 Black solid formed Iodide ions present

Discussion:
Qualitative analysis involves identifying the components of a single substance or a mixture, for
example, identifying the cation and anion present in an ionic compound. A qualitative analysis
was used to determine the presence of halide ions in the samples A, B and C. Silver nitrate was
used because silver forms a precipitate with halide ions. The precipiates were partially soluble
due to the ability of the ion to displace another. The precipitate formed is white for chloride,
cream for bromide, and yellow for iodide with silver nitrate.
Concentrated sulphuric acid was used to differentiate between chloride, bromide, and iodide
ions. The halide ions are oxidized to elemental halogens (Cl2, Br2, or I2). The halogen formed
will then react with the excess sulfuric acid to form hydrogen halides (HCl, HBr, or HI). The
halogen formed will then react with the excess sulfuric acid to form hydrogen halides (HCl, HBr,
or HI).
Precautions:
All safety procedures were followed when handling the acid.
Sources of error:
Other ions may have been present which affected the results.
Conclusion: Sample A contained Bromide ions, Sample B contained Chloride ions and Sample C
contained Iodide ions.