Which halide ion forms a yellow precipitate with silver nitrate?

Which halide ion forms a yellow precipitate with silver nitrate?

• A. Iodide
• B. Bromide
• C. Chloride
• D. Fluoride

Answer: (A)

When silver ions meet halide ions in solution, they form an insoluble silver halide solid. The color of that solid depends on which halide is present. Silver iodide is extremely insoluble and appears as a yellow solid, so the presence of iodide gives a yellow precipitate. In contrast, silver chloride forms a white precipitate and silver bromide forms a pale cream/yellowish precipitate, while silver fluoride is soluble enough that no visible solid forms. So the yellow precipitate points to iodide being present.

When silver ions meet halide ions in solution, they form an insoluble silver halide solid. The color of that solid depends on which halide is present. Silver iodide is extremely insoluble and appears as a yellow solid, so the presence of iodide gives a yellow precipitate. In contrast, silver chloride forms a white precipitate and silver bromide forms a pale cream/yellowish precipitate, while silver fluoride is soluble enough that no visible solid forms. So the yellow precipitate points to iodide being present.