Sulphate Anion Tests
What are we testing to find? This test is to confirm the presence of sulphate ions. Sulphate ions are negatively charged (SO42-) therefore they are anions.
How do we do the test? Place the sample solution in a test tube. First add a few drops of hydrochloric acid using the dropper. Then add barium chloride solution to the sample, using a dropper. Observe if any precipitate is formed.
What results might we get? If sulphate anions (SO42-) were present in the sample then we will observe a white precipitate. This can be represented by an equation, here with the example of copper sulphate CuSO4 (aq) + BaCl2 (aq) → CuCl2 (aq) + BaSO4 (s) The copper and chloride ions can be removed from the equation and we can write this as an ionic equation, where only the reacting ions are used SO42- (aq) + Ba2+ (aq) → BaSO4 (s)
Why does this test work? Most sulphate salts are insoluble. One notable exception is barium sulphate, which is a white solid. If we add barium chloride solution, which we know to be soluble to a sulphate, then the barium ions and the sulphate ions will form the insoluble salt, which precipitates.
Watch this video to see the test in action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYApk6lwaoI
Summary We can test for the presence of sulphate anions by adding barium chloride in the presence of hydrochloric acid to the sample, and if we will see a white precipitate formed the presence of sulphate ions is confirmed.