Precipitation Reaction for Pure Lead(II) Sulfate

Steps:

• Recognize that pure PbSO₄ requires a precipitation from aqueous solution for easy filtration and washing.
• Choose a soluble lead(II) compound to provide Pb²⁺ ions that react fully with SO₄²⁻ from dilute H₂SO₄.
• Avoid insoluble lead compounds, which react slowly or incompletely.
• Confirm the reaction produces a white, insoluble PbSO₄ precipitate that can be purified.

Why A is correct:

• Aqueous lead(II) nitrate dissolves fully, reacting via Pb(NO₃)₂(aq) + H₂SO₄(aq) → PbSO₄(s) + 2HNO₃(aq) to form a clean precipitate.

Why the others are wrong:

• B. Lead(II) carbonate is insoluble, so it reacts slowly with acid, yielding impure or incomplete PbSO₄.
• C. Powdered lead(II) oxide is insoluble and reacts sluggishly, preventing a pure, quantitative sample.
• D. Identical to C, powdered lead(II) oxide fails for the same solubility and reaction rate issues.

Final answer: A