Which reagent is used to test for bromide ions, and what is the appearance of the precipitate?

Which reagent is used to test for bromide ions, and what is the appearance of the precipitate?

• A. Silver nitrate solution — Cream precipitate
• B. Silver nitrate solution — White precipitate
• C. Silver nitrate solution — Yellow precipitate
• D. Silver nitrate solution — Blue precipitate

Answer: (A)

Testing halide ions with silver nitrate is a classic qualitative test. When Ag+ from the silver nitrate meets a halide ion, it forms an insoluble silver halide precipitate. The color of the precipitate helps identify which halide is present: white for chloride, cream for bromide, and yellow for iodide. In this case, the precipitate is cream, so bromide ions are present. Using nitric acid beforehand helps ensure the reaction is specific to halides.

Testing halide ions with silver nitrate is a classic qualitative test. When Ag+ from the silver nitrate meets a halide ion, it forms an insoluble silver halide precipitate. The color of the precipitate helps identify which halide is present: white for chloride, cream for bromide, and yellow for iodide. In this case, the precipitate is cream, so bromide ions are present. Using nitric acid beforehand helps ensure the reaction is specific to halides.