Qualitative Analysis of Lead(II) (Plumbous) Ion

If a white precipitate is obtained on adding dilute HCl to salt solution in water or while preparing original solution in dilute HCl, it indicates the presence of Pb2+ ions. White precipitates dissolves again on warming and re-precipitates on cooling.

Pb2+ + Cl → PbCl2 (Lead chloride, white precipitate)

In case the original solution is prepared in dilute HCl, Group I is absent.

KI Test

On adding KI to hot solution of lead chloride, a yellow precipitate is obtained.

Pb2+ + 2I → PbI2 ↓ (Lead iodide, yellow precipitate)

Potassium Chromate Test

On adding K2CrO4 solution to hot solution of lead chloride, a yellow precipitate is obtained.

Pb2+ + CrO42– → PbCrO4 ↓ (Lead Chromate, yellow precipitate)