Chapter 22: Problem 48
Iron(II) sulfide, \(\mathrm{FeS}(s)\), is used as the pigment in black paint. A sample of \(\mathrm{FeS}(s)\) is suspected of containing lead(II) sulfide, \(\operatorname{PbS}(s)\), which can cause lead poisoning if ingested. Suggest a scheme based on \(\mathrm{pH}\) for separating \(\mathrm{FeS}(s)\) from \(\mathrm{PbS}(s)\).
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Compounds
Compare Solubility in Acidic Conditions
Adjusting pH for Separation
Filtration
Recovery of \(\mathrm{FeS}\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Iron(II) sulfide
- Composition: It's a binary compound consisting of iron and sulfur in a 1:1 ratio.
- Formation: \( \mathrm{FeS} \) forms through a direct reaction between iron and sulfur.
- Properties: It is known for low solubility in water but reacts more promptly under acidic conditions.
Lead(II) sulfide
- Composition: Like \( \mathrm{FeS} \), this is also composed of sulfur and lead in a simple 1:1 ratio.
- Toxicity: Known to cause health issues if ingested, making containment and proper handling necessary.
- Solubility: Displaying poor solubility, \( \mathrm{PbS} \) remains intact unless under harsh conditions, differentiating it from \( \mathrm{FeS} \) in acidic settings.
pH and Solubility
- A lower pH level indicates a more acidic environment, which often leads to increased solubility for many metal sulfides like \( \mathrm{FeS} \).
- By contrast, substances like \( \mathrm{PbS} \) have markedly lower solubility in acidic conditions, which is key to differentiating it during separation processes.
- Adjusting the pH can dramatically shift the solubility profiles of compounds and is an essential tool in chemical separation techniques.
Separation Techniques
- pH Adjustment: Adding a dilute acid like \( \mathrm{HCl} \) selectively dissolves \( \mathrm{FeS} \) due to its higher solubility in an acidic environment.
- Filtration: Following dissolution, filtering the solution helps physically separate the undissolved \( \mathrm{PbS} \) as a solid. This method effectively removes \( \mathrm{PbS} \) from the dissolved iron ions.
- Recovery: By neutralizing the filtered acidic solution, \( \mathrm{FeS} \) can be precipitated back if required, completing the separation process.
Acid-Base Reactions
- Acid Dissolution: Adding an acid encourages the dissolution of \( \mathrm{FeS} \), a process driven by the formation of soluble iron ions and hydrogen sulfide gas.
- Base Neutralization: To precipitate dissolved \( \mathrm{FeS} \), a base is added, neutralizing the solution and reversing the dissolution.
- Equilibrium: These reactions reach a balance point or equilibrium, indicating the completion of certain processes like precipitation or dissolution.