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Testing for Sulfates

Sulfates are compounds that contain SO42- ions. There are 2 steps to sulfate testing:

Add dilute hydrochloric acid

Add dilute hydrochloric acid

  • Add dilute hydrochloric acid to an unknown solution.
    • This removes carbonate ions. These could disrupt test results by forming a precipitate with the barium ions added in step 2.
Add barium chloride

Add barium chloride

  • Add barium chloride to the same solution.
    • If sulfates are present, the white precipitate barium sulfate will form:
      • Ba2+(aq) + SO42-(aq) → BaSO4(s)
Jump to other topics
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Atomic Structure

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Chemical Bonding

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Energy Changes

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The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

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Chemistry of the Atmosphere

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