Making lead sulfate PbSO4

High School Chemistry Making lead sulfate, PbSO4 This experiment is suggested by the Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry syllabus and may be seen as an alternative to making bright yellow lead iodide, PbI2. Making lead iodide has been popular in the past, not least because of the stunning visual impact of the experiment. Of course, whilst both salts are easy to prepare and lend themselves to drying and weighing for analysis since they do not incorporate water of crystallisation in their crystal structures, they are toxic. Thus, they must be prepared with caution and steps taken to ensure no contact is made with the lead compounds involved, particularly avoiding the evolution of any dust during drying. A procedure is described which allows for the production of approximately 0.24g of lead sulfate which minimises to some extent the amount of lead compound produced, whilst still preparing enough solid that can be weighed accurately on a two decimal place electronic balance. Method Mix 7ml 0.2M sodium sulfate with 20ml 0.04M lead nitrate in a boiling tube. Filter through a pre-weighed fluted filter paper and dwash thoroughly with distilled water. Dry the white solid produced in a drying cabinet. Weigh the mass of dried solid on a two decimal place electronic balance. Wear safety spectacles throughout and avoid all contact with the lead compounds involved. Lead compounds should be stored safely or disposed of with due care and attention for the environment in accordance with local regulations. 1562367942958b