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Experiment No. N

Analysis of Lead(II) Carbonate (PbCO₃)

Aim

To determine the presence of anion and cation in the given salt

Preliminary Test

  • Odor: Odorless
  • Texture: Crystalline
  • Color: White
  • Solubility: Soluble in water

Test of Anion

ExperimentObservationInference
Take 0.1 g of salt, add 1–2 mL of dilute H₂SO₄Colourless odourless gas is evolved with brisk effervescence; lime water turns milkyCO₃²⁻ may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Lime Water Test
Pass the gas through lime water		Lime water turns milky; milkiness disappears on excess gasCO₃²⁻ is confirmed
Sodium Nitroprusside Test
Take 1 mL water extract or sodium carbonate extract, make it alkaline with dilute NH₄OH, then add a drop of sodium nitroprusside		Purple or violet colouration is producedCO₃²⁻ is confirmed

Test of Cation

ExperimentObservationInference
Original solution + Dilute HClWhite precipitatePb²⁺ may be present
Confirmatory Tests
Potassium Iodide Test
Dissolve one part of the hot precipitate in hot water and add potassium iodide solution		Yellow precipitate is formedPresence of Pb²⁺ is confirmed
Potassium Chromate Test
To the acidified solution obtained above, add potassium chromate solution		Yellow precipitate is formedPresence of Pb²⁺ is confirmed
Lead Sulphate Test
Dissolve lead sulphide precipitate in dilute HNO₃, then add a few drops of dilute H₂SO₄ and alcohol		White precipitate of lead sulphate is formedPresence of Pb²⁺ is confirmed

Result

The given salt contains Pb²⁺ ions as cation and CO₃²⁻ ions as anion. The salt is PbCO₃.

Precautions

  1. Handle the chemicals with care.
  2. Don't use excess of chemicals.
  3. Keep the mouth of the test tube away from the face.