GOLDEN RAIN EXPERIMENT

Reagents and equipment

 lead nitrate (0.3 g );
 potassium iodide (0.3 g);
 acetic acid (~1-2 ml);
 distilled water (500 ml);
 two beakers;
 flask (500 ml).

Step-by-step instructions
In different glasses, dissolve lead nitrate and potassium iodide in
small quantities of water. Add a little acetic acid to the solution,
to prevent its hydrolysis. Heat the remaining distilled water to
~80°С. Mix the solutions of lead nitrate and potassium iodide in a
large flask. A suspension of a yellow sediment forms. Add hot wa-
ter until the sediment dissolves completely. Let the solution cool.
When it cools, beautiful gold crystals of lead iodide begin to set-
tle.

Processes description
When the solutions of the two salts are mixed, an exchange reac-
tion takes place:

Pb(NO₃)₂ + 2KI → PbI₂↓ + 2KNO₃

The forming lead iodide is insoluble in cold water, but at a high

temperature its solubility increases. So in a hot solution, precipi-
tation is not observed. When the mixture cools, the solubility of
lead iodide decreases, and Pbl₂ crystals gradually begin to settle.

Safety precautions
 GOLDEN RAIN EXPERIMENT
Wear protective glasses and gloves. Lead compounds are very
poisonous! Don’t swallow the salts and solutions! Follow general
safety recommendations. Chemical experiments must be carried
out in full compliance with the legislation of your country.