Beilstein test

The Beilstein test is a simple qualitative chemical test for halides. It was developed by Friedrich Konrad Beilstein.

A copper wire is cleaned and heated in a Bunsen burner flame to form a coating of copper(II) oxide. It is then dipped in the sample to be tested and once again heated in a flame. A positive test is indicated by a green flame caused by the formation of a copper halide. The test does not detect fluorine/fluorides.