Lead Acetate

Test
By GROUP 7 - Team Leo
 What is Lead Acetate Test?
Also known as Lead Sulfide Test is a test specific for sulphur containing amino
acids (Cysteine, Cystine, and Methionine). Even though the test is specific for the
detection of sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine doesn’t give a positive
result in this test.
Objectives of lead
Acetate Test:
To detect the presence of sulfur-
containing amino acids in a sample.
To detect protein-containing cysteine
and cystine in a given sample.
To distinguish between sulfur-containing
and non-sulfur containing amino acids.
 Principle of Lead
Acetate Test
The sulfur-containing amino acid such as cysteine, cysteine, and
methionine (sulfhydryl/thiol group) reacts with lead acetate under
alkaline conditions to form a brown precipitate.

When cysteine is heated with strong alkali like NaOH, some of the
sulphur is converted to sodium sulphide (Na2S) which can be detected
by precipitation as lead sulphide (PbS) from alkaline solution.
sulfur in cystine + 10% NaOH → heating→ Na2S
Na2S + Pb (CH3COO)2 →(black precipitate) PbS
 Result and Interpretation of
Lead Sulfide Test

Positive test: A positive test in the Lead

sulfide test is represented by the formation
of black precipitate at the bottom of the test
tube. This indicates the presence of cysteine
or cystine in the solution.

Negative test: A negative result in the Lead

sulfide test is represented by the absence of
Note: The addition of excess lead acetate to the black residue in the test tube. This indicates
solution might result in white-colored precipitation.
the absence of cysteine or cystine
 References:
Sapkota, A. (2022, June 23). Lead Sulfide Test- Definition, Principle,
Procedure, Result, Uses. Microbe Notes. https://microbenotes.com/lead-
sulfide-test/

Lead acetate test (Lead sulfide test): Principle, Reaction, Reagents,

Procedure and Result Interpretation | Online Biochemistry Notes. (2020,
April 16). Online Biochemistry Notes | Biochemistry Notes by Anup Basnet.
http://biocheminfo.com/2020/04/16/lead-acetate-test-lead-sulfide-test-
principle-reaction-reagents-procedure-and-result-interpretation/

Karki, G. (2018, April 25). Lead sulfide test: Detection of amino acid
containing sulfhydral group (-SH) - Online Biology Notes. Online Biology
Notes. https://www.onlinebiologynotes.com/lead-sulfide-test-detection-
of-amino-acid-containing-sulfhydral-group-sh/
Thank
you!