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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
Why is nitric acid added to sodium extract before adding silver nitrate for testing halogens?
ChemistryGeneral Organic ChemistryNEET
Options:
  • A Nitric acid is added to decompose NaCN to HCN and Na2S to H2S and to expel these gases. That is, if any nitrogen and sulphur are present in the form of NaCN and Na2S, then they are removed and only halogens are available for testing.
  • B Nitric acid is added to increase the pH of the solution, which enhances the solubility of halide precipitates formed with silver nitrate.
  • C Nitric acid is added to react with any remaining halogens in the sodium extract, converting them to soluble nitrate salts, making it easier to detect the presence of halogens using silver nitrate.
  • D Nitric acid is added to react with silver nitrate, forming a complex that improves the sensitivity of the test for halogens.
Solution:
2085 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: Nitric acid is added to decompose NaCN to HCN and Na2S to H2S and to expel these gases. That is, if any nitrogen and sulphur are present in the form of NaCN and Na2S, then they are removed and only halogens are available for testing.
Correct Option is : (A)
Nitric acid is added to decompose NaCN to HCN and Na2S to H2S and to expel these gases. That is, if any nitrogen and sulphur are present in the form of NaCN and Na2S, then they are removed and only halogens are available for testing.

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