13.2.10

Testing Sulfates 2

Test yourself

Testing for Sulfates

Sulfates are compounds that contain SO42− ions. There are two steps to sulfate testing:

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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.
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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

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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