Concept:
\(K_2[HgI_4]\) (potassium tetraiodomercurate(II)) is known as Nessler's reagent.
Step 1: Use of Nessler's reagent.
It is used to detect the presence of ammonia (NH\(_3\)) or ammonium ions (NH\(_4^+\)).
Step 2: Reaction and observation.
When Nessler's reagent is added to a solution containing NH\(_4^+\), a brown precipitate (or yellow coloration) is formed:
\[
NH_4^+ + 2[HgI_4]^{2-} + 4OH^- \rightarrow NH_2Hg_2I_3 \downarrow (\text{brown}) + 7I^- + 3H_2O
\]
Step 3: Why not other ions?
Cl\(^-\), NO\(_2^-\), NO\(_3^-\) do not give a positive test with Nessler's reagent.