What is the Difference Between Lead Nitrate and Zinc Nitrate?

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Lead nitrate and zinc nitrate are inorganic compounds with the chemical formulas Pb(NO3)2 and Zn(NO3)2, respectively. The main difference between them is their reaction with ammonium hydroxide:

  • Lead Nitrate: When lead nitrate reacts with ammonium hydroxide, it forms a white precipitate that is not soluble in excess ammonium hydroxide solution.
  • Zinc Nitrate: When zinc nitrate reacts with ammonium hydroxide, it forms a white precipitate that is soluble in excess ammonium hydroxide solution.

This difference in their reaction with ammonium hydroxide can be used to distinguish between lead nitrate and zinc nitrate solutions.

Comparative Table: Lead Nitrate vs Zinc Nitrate

Here is a table comparing the differences between lead nitrate and zinc nitrate:

Property Lead Nitrate Zinc Nitrate
Chemical Formula Pb(NO3)2 Zn(NO3)2
Appearance Colorless crystals or white powder Colorless or white powder
Solubility in Ammonium Hydroxide Forms a white precipitate that is not soluble in ammonium hydroxide excess solution Forms a white precipitate that is soluble in ammonium hydroxide excess solution
Reaction with Ammonia When excess ammonia is passed through an aqueous solution of lead nitrate, a chalky white precipitate is formed When excess ammonia is passed through an aqueous solution of zinc nitrate, a white precipitate is formed, which dissolves in excess ammonium and produces a colorless solution
Displacement Reaction Zinc can displace lead from its compound, lead nitrate -

Lead nitrate and zinc nitrate are both inorganic compounds, but they have different chemical formulas and react differently with ammonium hydroxide. Lead nitrate forms a white precipitate that is not soluble in ammonium hydroxide excess solution, while zinc nitrate forms a white precipitate that is soluble in ammonium hydroxide excess solution.