SMALL-SCALE SYNTHESIS OF LEAD IODIDE FOR CHEMISTRY TEACHING

Abstract

Lead iodide synthesis is a popular chemistry experiment that is used to introduce ionic bonding and be interesting for young students with beautiful golden-yellow crystals. This research aims to develop the method of lead iodide synthesis in small-scale and survey students’ feedbacks in their skills and experimental processes, understanding, and attitudes. We found that the forming of beautifully golden-yellow lead iodide crystals, golden rain, was prepared by mixing 5.00 ml of 0.005 M lead nitrate and 5.00 ml of 0.010 M potassium iodide that was heated for five minutes, cooled down and added with 1.0 M hydrochloric acid and five drops of 0.2 M lead nitrate. This synthesis was easily done by using a small-scale of chemicals produced rapidly hexagonal and triangular crystals for a minute, which were monitored by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). From students’ feedbacks, the benefits of this method help students to improve their skills and experimental processes, attitudes, and understanding of chemistry content, respectively.