Question

How do you test for Chloride?

Answer 1

The test for chloride ions is summarized as follows:

The preliminary test for chloride ions are:

1. Dry heating test: The given salt taken close to flame and glass rod dipped in ${\mathrm{NH}}_3$ comes in proximity with given salt, the formation of white fumes shows the presence of ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$ ions.
2. Potassium Permanganate test: With the addition of minute drops of ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$, the given salt is heated and after heating a few drops of ${\mathrm{KMnO}}_4$ were added, the preliminary formation of pink colour shows the presence of ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$ ions.
3. Concentrated sulphuric acid: The ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$ is added to the given salt, then a glass rod dipped in ${\mathrm{NH}}_3$ comes in proximity to the given salt. The formation of white fumes indicates the presence of ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$ ions.

The confirmatory test for chloride ions are:

1. Silver nitrate test: The dil. ${\mathrm{HNO}}_3$ was taken and heated with the aqueous solution of the given salt. After heating ${\mathrm{AgNO}}_3$ solution is added. The formation of white colour confirms the presence of ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$ ions.
2. Manganese dioxide test: A pinch of ${\mathrm{MnO}}_2$ powder with the addition of a few drops of ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$ were taken with a small amount of given salt and heat it for a few minutes. The formation of greenish-yellow gas confirms the presence of ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$ ions.