Testing for Ammonium Ions (WJEC GCSE Chemistry)

• Ammonium ions, NH₄⁺, can be identified by gently warming a solution containing the ions with sodium hydroxide solution
  • The sodium hydroxide solution is a source of hydroxide ions, OH^–, for the test
• This releases ammonia gas which turns damp red litmus paper blue

Testing for ammonium ions

Heating ammonium ions with sodium hydroxide solution releases ammonia gas which turns damp red litmus blue