qualitative test for sulphate

Question

Sulphate ion confirmed by formation of white precipitate with:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **The Test**: To the salt solution, add Barium Chloride ($BaCl_2$) solution.
2. **Observation**: A **white precipitate** of Barium Sulphate ($BaSO_4$) is formed.
3. **Ionic Equation**: $Ba^{2+} + SO_4^{2-} 	o BaSO_4 \downarrow$.
4. **Condition**: The reaction must be performed in the presence of dilute $HCl$ or $HNO_3$.
5. **Reason**: The acid prevents the precipitation of other anions like $CO_3^{2-}$ or $PO_4^{3-}$ as Barium salts ($e.g., BaCO_3$ or $Ba_3(PO_4)_2$), which would also be white but are soluble in acids. **$BaSO_4$ is insoluble in acids**.

Rank Guru

qualitative test for sulphate

Select the correct option: