Lead Acetate

To detect the basic and acid radical present in a given unknown salt:

➢ Physical characteristics:
i) Physical state: Solid crystalline
ii) Colour: Colourless
iii) Solubility: Soluble in water
➢ Indicatory test for basic radical:

Experiment Observation Inference

Prepared a paste of the salt with Dull bluish- white flame Pb2+ may be present
conc. HCl and performed the flame
test with a platinum wire.

➢ Indicatory test for acid radical:

Experiment Observation Inference

-
A pinch of the salt was taken in a Colourless gas evolved having smell CH3COO may be present
test tube and heated with 1–2 mL of like vinegar which turns blue litmus
dilute sulphuric acid. red.

➢ Preparation of salt solution:

A pinch of salt was taken in a test tube and solution was prepared by adding distilled water to it. The following tests
were performed by using this solution.
➢ Confirmatory test for acid radical:

Experiment Observation Inference

A small amount of the salt solution Deep red colour appears which CH3COO- is present and confirmed
was taken in a test tube. Few drops disappears on boiling and a brown-
of neutral ferric chloride solution red precipitate is formed.
was added to it.

➢ Confirmatory test for basic radical:

Experiment Observation Inference

To a part of sample solution, added White ppt. formed
1-2 ml of dil. HCl

Dissolved the ppt. in boiling water.

To a part of the above solution,

added a few drops of potassium Yellow ppt. formed Pb2+ is present and confirmed
iodide solution.

Result: The given salt contains

Acid radical: Acetate (CH3COO-)
Basic radical: Lead (Pb2+)