Preparing Insoluble Salts by Precipitation

Preparing Insoluble Salts by Precipitation

Precipitation in Chemistry

  • Precipitation is the formation of a solid (the precipitate) upon mixing two solutions.
  • One solution must contain the positive ions in the insoluble precipitate, and the other must contain the negative ions.

Solubility Rules

Soluble

  • ALL sodium, potassium, and ammonium salts.
  • ALL nitrates.
  • Halides (except Ag and Pb).
  • Sulphates (except Ca, Ba, and Pb).

Insoluble

  • Carbonates (except K, Na, and NH_4{^+}).

Quick Test

  • Determine the metal ion present in a given precipitate.

Suggest Starting Compounds For:

  • Lead sulphate
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Silver bromide
  • Barium sulphate
  • Lead iodide

Practical Task

  • Use the provided apparatus to prepare a sample of lead iodide.
  • Have the method checked by the teacher before starting.