Question

How can you distinguish between sodium chloride and sodium nitrate by using concentrated sulphuric acid

Answer 1

Hello there,

We can take two aqueous solutions of Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3) and Sodium Chloride (NaCl) .

Now, on adding conc. Sulphuric acid on NaNO3 solution, the reaction will yield Sodium Bisulfate (NaHSO4) and Nitric Acid (HNO3)

Equation:-

NaNO3 + H2SO4 (conc) —› NaHSO4 + HNO3

On adding conc. Sulphuric acid to NaCl solution, the reaction will yield Sodium Bisulfate and Hydrogen Chloride gas

Equation:-

NaCl + H2SO4 —› NaHSO4 + HCl

So, assuming the above experiments are done in a test tube, now we bring a glass rod dipped in Ammonia Solution near the mouths of the test tube.

In case of the test tube containing NaNO3 solution, no observation will occur, while in case of the test tube containing NaCl solution, white fumes will be observed (Since HCl gas reacts with Ammonia (NH3) to form NH4Cl, which gives the white colour).

Hence, we can distinguish between the two solutions.

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