How do you test for acetate?

1. The test used for detecting acetate is Ferric Chloride.
2. In this test, $\mathrm{HCl}$ is added to the test tube containing precipitate in which it just dissolved.
3. The salt solution is then mixed with the resultant solution which contains acetate.
4. This gives a red colour solution.
5. To obtain red precipitate, water is added to this solution.