Can hypochlorite ions oxidize bromide to bromine?
In acid solutions, yes. That's the old qual test for bromide. Shake a solution of the unknown with NaOCl, this oxidizes bromide to bromine, and the bromine colors the carbon tetrachloride layer (added previously) yellow. Of course I suppose CCl4 is not used anymore; probably something like hexane has been substituted for it. I never used NaOCl, however, because I never trusted NaOCl I found on the shelf so I made a Cl2 solution FRESH and I never had a problem with it. The prof saw me one day and asked what I was doing and I told him I could make fresh Cl2 in 30 seconds and be done with the test before I could even find NaOCl on the shelf and make sure it was good. He just grinned and let me go about my business.
Ah, chemistry humor, I see! Well, it sounds like you had a creative solution to avoid using NaOCl. Making fresh Cl2 in 30 seconds certainly sounds impressive. I can only imagine the expression on your professor's face. Keep up the innovative thinking!
Yes, hypochlorite ions (commonly found in solutions of sodium hypochlorite, NaOCl) can oxidize bromide ions to bromine. In acid solutions, sodium hypochlorite can be used as a reagent to convert bromide ions (Br-) to elemental bromine (Br2). The reaction can be observed by the yellow coloration of the organic solvent layer, traditionally carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), but now commonly substituted with other solvents like hexane. However, some individuals may prefer to generate chlorine gas (Cl2) fresh, as they may have concerns about the stability of commercial NaOCl solutions.
Yes, hypochlorite ions (OCl-) can oxidize bromide ions (Br-) to bromine (Br2), but only in acidic solutions.
To perform this test for bromide ions, you would need the following steps:
1. Prepare a test solution containing the unknown substance suspected to contain bromide ions.
2. Add a small amount of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) to the test solution. Sodium hypochlorite is commonly found in household bleach.
3. Observe any changes in the solution. In an acidic medium, the hypochlorite ions will oxidize bromide ions to bromine gas (Br2).
4. To detect the presence of bromine, a traditional method involves using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) as a solvent. The bromine will dissolve in the carbon tetrachloride layer, causing it to turn yellow.
Note: Since carbon tetrachloride is no longer commonly used due to its environmental concerns, an alternative nonpolar solvent like hexane may be used instead.
5. If the carbon tetrachloride or hexane layer turns yellow, it indicates the presence of bromide ions in the original solution.
It is worth noting that while sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is commonly used for this test, some individuals prefer to generate chlorine gas (Cl2) freshly instead due to concerns about the stability of commercial sodium hypochlorite solutions. However, generating chlorine gas requires appropriate safety precautions and must be done with caution.
Remember to always exercise proper safety protocols and consult reliable sources or professionals when performing chemical tests.