Leeching Lead Into Acidic Solution
Description: Two 2.0-gram samples of lead metal Pb (s) are placed in 250 mL beakers with 0.1M KI (aq). ~1mL of 9M H2SO4(aq) is added to one sample. 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. 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: Moore, John Prof., Maynard James H.
Year: 2019 Vol: N/A Page: N/A
Keywords: pH, Lead, Precipitate, Equilibrium
Rating: 
Hazard: Some
- Acute toxicity hazard
- Aquatic toxicity hazard
- Central nervous system toxicity hazard – dermal, oral
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Aspiration hazard
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, approximately 20 minutes
- High reliability
Difficulty: Medium
- Use of toxic reagents
- Use of strong acids
- Some intermediate steps to results
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Avoid exposure to droplets or vapor
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Sodium bicarbonate on hand
Class: Acids and Bases, Transition Metal Chemistry, Solubility
Division: General, Inorganic Chemistry
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