Chemical test to differentiate nitrate nitriteusing soda extract?

Answer 1

First prepare the soda extract/sodium extract-

Take 0.5g of the salt mixture that you want to analyze for nitrate ions in a porcelain dish. To this add 1.5 g of pure(anhydrous) Na2CO3 (Sodium Carbonate) and 10 mL of distilled water.

Heat the mixture. When it begins boiling, the basic radicals in the salt will get converted to the respective carbonates and dissolve. Filter the mixture and throw the residue. The filtrate is called SODA EXTRACT.

Now you shall perform the Brown Ring Test for presence of nitrate ions using this soda extract.

Neutralize the soda extract with DILUTE H2SO4( this neutralizing acid is used only for detecting nitrate ions.....other acids are used for different ions ) , add FeSO4 to the test tube and shake well.

Carefully add CONCENTRATED H2SO4 from the side of the test tube wall. A brown ring of FeSO4No is formed at the junction of the two liquids. (Concentrated sulphuric acid will not sink down, it will be like a layer of oil above the FESO4 +dilute h2so4+soda extract mixture with the brown ring between it.)