SOME INSOLUBLE LEAD(II)

COMPOUNDS

This page looks at the formation of some insoluble lead(II)

compounds from aqueous lead(II) ions using precipitation
reactions. It describes the reactions to form lead(II) hydroxide,
lead(II) chloride, lead(II) iodide and lead(II) sulphate.

Because of the insolubility of so many lead(II) compounds, the

usual source of lead(II) ions in solution is lead(II) nitrate solution
- and that will be assumed in all the following examples.

Making lead(II) hydroxide

If a little sodium hydroxide solution is added to colourless lead(II)

nitrate solution, a white precipitate of lead(II) hydroxide is
produced.

Pb2+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) Pb(OH)2(s)

If more sodium hydroxide solution is added, the precipitate

redissolves to give a colourless solution which might be called
sodium plumbate(II) solution - but could be called by a lot of
alternative names depending on exactly how the formula is
written!

Pb(OH)2(s) + 2OH-(aq) PbO22-(aq) + 2H2O(l)

Note: These equations are simplifications. You will get

complexes formed involving hydroxide ions, but the formulae
of these aren't very clear-cut. I am using these particular
versions of the equations to keep them in line with the
corresponding reaction between lead(II) oxide and sodium
 hydroxide solution on the oxides of Group 4 page - also a
simplification!

Making lead(II) chloride

Lead(II) chloride can be made as a white precipitate by adding a

solution containing chloride ions to lead(II) nitrate solution. You
could use things like sodium chloride solution to provide the
chloride ions, but it is usually easier just to add some dilute
hydrochloric acid.

Pb2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) PbCl2(s)

Note: If you add concentrated hydrochloric acid to excess,

the lead(II) chloride precipitate will dissolve again. Complex
ions like PbCl42- are produced, and these are soluble in
water.

Making lead(II) iodide

If you add colourless potassium iodide solution (or any other

source of iodide ions in solution) to a solution of lead(II) nitrate,
a bright yellow precipitate of lead(II) iodide is produced.

Pb2+(aq) + 2I-(aq) PbI2(s)

Making lead(II) sulphate

Adding a source of aqueous sulphate ions to a solution of

lead(II) nitrate results in a white precipitate of lead(II) sulphate.
The easiest thing to add is usually dilute sulphuric acid - but any
other soluble sulphate would do.
 Pb2+(aq) + SO42-(aq) PbSO4(s)

Questions to test your understanding

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introductory page before you start. You will need to use the BACK BUTTON
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questions on the formation of insoluble lead compounds

answers

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© Jim Clark 2004 (last modified January 2022)