Need a single reagent that I could use to distinguish NaI from NaNO3. NaOH, HCl, NH4Br, or Pb(NO3)2??
Are these in solution or are they solids?
They are aqueous solutions, yes, and I think NaOH would do it, but then again I also feel HCl would as well. Help please.
To distinguish between NaI (sodium iodide) and NaNO3 (sodium nitrate), you need a reagent that will react differently with each compound.
One way to differentiate between these compounds is by performing a precipitation reaction with a specific reagent. In this case, we can use lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) as the reagent.
Here's how you can use the reagent to distinguish between NaI and NaNO3:
1. Take a small sample of the unknown compound and dissolve it in water to make a solution.
2. Add a few drops of lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) solution to the solution.
3. If the solution turns yellow, it indicates the presence of iodide ions (I-), and thus, the unknown compound is NaI. This is because PbI2 (lead iodide) is a yellow precipitate.
4. If no precipitate forms and the solution remains clear, it indicates the absence of iodide ions. In this case, the unknown compound is NaNO3.
So, the answer is Pb(NO3)2, which can be used as a reagent to distinguish between NaI and NaNO3 based on the formation of a yellow precipitate when iodide ions are present.