Lead acetate ((CH₃COO)₂Pb) is a water-soluble ionic compound commonly used in analytical chemistry. This document outlines the qualitative analysis of (CH₃COO)₂Pb to identify its cation (Pb²⁺) and anion (CH₃COO⁻) through systematic tests.
Step-by-Step Analysis of (CH₃COO)₂Pb
1. Preliminary Examination
Property
Observation
Physical Appearance
White crystalline solid
Solubility
Soluble in water, forming a colorless solution
Odor
Slight vinegar-like odor due to acetate ions
2. Dry Heating Test
Procedure
Observation
Inference
Chemical Equation
Heat a small sample in a dry test tube.
Smell of acetic acid and black residue (PbO).
Decomposition of lead acetate.
(CH₃COO)₂Pb → PbO (black) + 2CH₃COOH
3. Flame Test
Procedure
Observation
Inference
A platinum wire is dipped in (CH₃COO)₂Pb solution and introduced to a non-luminous flame.
Blue-white flame observed.
Presence of Pb²⁺ ions.
4. Identification of Lead (Pb²⁺) Ion
Test
Reagent Used
Observation
Inference
Chemical Equation
Potassium Iodide (KI) test
KI solution
Yellow precipitate
Confirms Pb²⁺ presence
Pb²⁺ + 2I⁻ → PbI₂ (yellow ppt.)
Dilute H₂SO₄ test
H₂SO₄ solution
White precipitate
Confirms Pb²⁺ presence
Pb²⁺ + SO₄²⁻ → PbSO₄ (white ppt.)
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) test
NaOH solution
White precipitate, soluble in excess NaOH
Confirms Pb²⁺ presence
Pb²⁺ + 2OH⁻ → Pb(OH)₂ (white ppt.)
5. Identification of Acetate (CH₃COO⁻) Ion
Test
Reagent Used
Observation
Inference
Chemical Equation
Ferric Chloride (FeCl₃) test
FeCl₃ solution
Deep red coloration
Confirms CH₃COO⁻ presence
CH₃COO⁻ + Fe³⁺ → Fe(CH₃COO)₃ (red complex)
Conc. Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄) test
Conc. H₂SO₄ + heat
Smell of vinegar (acetic acid)
Confirms CH₃COO⁻ presence
(CH₃COO)₂Pb + H₂SO₄ → PbSO₄ + 2CH₃COOH (gas)
6. Group Analysis of Pb²⁺ (Cation Analysis)
Lead ion (Pb²⁺) belongs to Group II in cation analysis, which includes Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Hg²⁺. The group reagent used for its identification is dilute HCl, forming PbCl₂ precipitate.
Test
Reagent Used
Observation
Inference
Chemical Equation
Group Precipitation
Dilute HCl
White precipitate
Confirms Pb²⁺ presence
Pb²⁺ + 2Cl⁻ → PbCl₂ (white ppt.)
Confirmation
Hot water
Precipitate dissolves
Solubility of PbCl₂ in hot water
PbCl₂ (s) → Pb²⁺ (aq) + 2Cl⁻ (aq)
Conclusion
The qualitative analysis of (CH₃COO)₂Pb confirms the presence of lead (Pb²⁺) and acetate (CH₃COO⁻) ions through distinct chemical reactions, solubility tests, and confirmatory tests.