In: Chemistry
Selective ion precipitation can be used to separate cations that
form insoluble complexes with almost any ion as long as the
difference in Ksp values is at least 3 powers of 10. We
have seen how this works for sulfide precipitates, but this can
work for almost any ion. The next problem explores the separation
of metal hydroxides.
You are given a solution that is 0.066 in Pb2+ and 0.054
in Co2+ that you wish to separate using selective ion
precipitation with OH- ions. The Ksp value for
Pb(OH)2 = 1.43 X 10-20 and the Ksp value for
Co(OH)2 = 5.92 X 10-15.
a) What is the threshold pH, below which you get precipitation
of the least soluble metal hydroxide while the most soluble one
remains in solution?
b) Assume you are at the pH threshold that you calculated in part
b. What is the molar concentration of Pb2+cation that
remains in solution at this pH?