12.5.7

Testing Anions - Nitrates

Test yourself

Testing for Nitrates

We can test for nitrate ions (NO3-) by reducing them to ammonia.

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Process

  • Add sodium hydroxide solution, then aluminium powder or foil.
  • Heat strongly.
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Positive result

  • If nitrate ions are present, ammonia gas is given off.
  • Ammonia gas turns damp red litmus paper blue. It also gives off a distinctive cooking smell.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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