KnowledgeBoat Logo
|

Chemistry

Which of the following is the best reagent to distinguish lead nitrate and zinc nitrate ?

P NaOH solution

Q KOH solution

R NH4OH solution

  1. Only P

  2. Only R

  3. Only Q

  4. Both P and Q

Analytical Chemistry

6 Likes

Answer

Both P and Q

Reason — On adding NaOH or KOH to lead nitrate, a white precipitate of lead hydroxide [Pb(OH)₂] is formed, which is insoluble in excess NaOH or KOH.

On adding NaOH or KOH to zinc nitrate, a white precipitate of zinc hydroxide [Zn(OH)₂] is formed, which is soluble in excess NaOH or KOH, forming a clear solution.

Even though NH₄OH can separate the two, it is not the most effective reagent because, although it produces a white precipitate with both, lead hydroxide does not dissolve in excess NH₄OH, while zinc hydroxide does.

Answered By

3 Likes


Related Questions