Question

Distinguish between the following (using ammonia solution):

Zinc nitrate and lead nitrate

Answer 1

Zinc nitrate reacts with ammonium hydroxide solution to produce a white precipitate. This white precipitate dissolves in excess ammonium hydroxide. Lead nitrate interacts with ammonium hydroxide solution to produce a white precipitate. This white precipitate does not dissolve in excess ammonium hydroxide.

\[\ce{Zn(NO3)2 + 2NH4OH -> 2NH4NO3 + Zn(OH)2↓}\]

\[\ce{Pb(NO3)2 + 2NH4OH -> 2NH4NO3 + Pb(OH)2↓}\]