Which test can be used to identify halide ions in a solution?

The method of adding AgNO3 (silver nitrate) to a solution is commonly used to identify halide ions. When silver nitrate is added to a solution containing halide ions such as chloride, bromide, or iodide, it reacts to form a precipitate of silver halide. Each halide produces a characteristic colored precipitate:

• Silver chloride (AgCl) precipitates as a white solid.

• Silver bromide (AgBr) forms a cream-colored precipitate.

• Silver iodide (AgI) results in a yellow precipitate.

This reaction is based on the low solubility of silver halides in water, making it a reliable and straightforward test for the presence of halide ions. The formation of a precipitate is an observable indicator that confirms the presence of these ions in the solution.

Using HCl to form a colored solution is not a reliable test for halides; while HCl may react with some substances, it doesn’t specifically indicate the presence of halide ions.

The addition of NaOH producing gas typically refers to reactions involving metal ions or carbonates but does not specifically identify halides.

Adding dilute sulfuric acid for bubbling is also unrelated to the identification of halide ions. This test typically involves