Leeching Lead Into Acidic Solution
Description: Two samples of lead metal Pb (s) are each placed in 250 mL beakers with 100 mL 0.1 M KI (aq). ~1mL of 9 M H2SO4(aq) is added to one of the samples. The other serves as a reference. The acidified sample leeches lead into solution which reacts with KI (aq) to form PbI2 (s), a bright yellow precipitate which collects on the lead surface. The precipitation of PbI2(s) from 0.1M Pb(NO3)2(aq) and 0.1M KI (aq) can be performed as a precursor to the experiment.
Source: Maynard, J.H. via consult with Prof. Landis, C.R. Prof. Moore, J. W UW-Madison
Year: 2018 Vol: N/A Page: N/A
Keywords: Precipitate, pH, Lead, Solubility
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Acute toxicity
- Aquatic toxicity
- Carcinogenicity
- Mutagenicity
- Thyroid toxicity
- Skin corrosion hazard
- CNS toxicity
Effectiveness: Average
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Results are observable with guidance
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- Time to results is medium
Difficulty: Medium
- Some intermediate steps to results
- Some sequential manipulation
- Use of toxic chemicals
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Absorbent material on hand
- Perform on a chemically resistant surface
- Sodium bicarbonate on hand
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Acids and Bases, Transition Metal Chemistry, Solubility
Division: General, Inorganic Chemistry
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