Dr. Sarah Hayes, from the University of Limerick, who was on the Late Late Show last night (11th November) with Daire O'Briain, will visit Magh Ene College at the end of January to deliver the 'Spectroscopy in a Suitcase' programme to LC Chemistry students. This programme which is sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry allows second level students to use analytical instruments normally only available at third level in their own school laboratory.

LC Chemistry Anion Tests

Test for Chlorides:
 Add silver nitrate solution to sample.
Forms a white ppt. which dissolves in ammonia.



Test for Carbonates and Hydrogencarbonates:
Add HCl, forms a white ppt.
To distinguish between Carbonates and Hydrogencarbonates:  add Magnesium sulfate solution which forms a white ppt. in the case of the carbonate but not in the case of the hydrogencarbonate.



Test for Sulfates and Sulfites:
Add Barium sulfate solution which forms a white ppt. in each case.
Add HCl, the Barium sulfate will remain but the Barium sulfite will dissolve.


Test for Nitrates:
Add acidified Iron (II) sulfate solution and conc. Sulfuric acid down the side of the tt.
Forms a brown ring at the junction between the two layers.

Test for Phosphates:
Add ammonium molybdate solution and nitric acid.
Heat to less than 40C.
Forms a yellow ppt. which dissolves in ammonia.