Answer to Question #261815 in General Chemistry for ozy

Question

You are given an aqueous solution containing similar concentrations of both calcium ions (Ca2+) and lead(II) ions (Pb2+), and you wish to selectively precipitate out the lead(II) ions only. Which of the following sodium salts would you choose in order to accomplish this selective precipitation?

 

Answer 1

I would use Sodium Chloride (NaCl) to selectively precipitate out Pb²⁺ ions because Lead Chloride (PbCl₂) is insoluble in water and hence would precipitate.