Demonstrate hydrogen sulfide and sulfur compound reactions safely with Indigo® lead acetate test paper. Ideal for classroom or lab experiments showing qualitative gas detection.
Indigo® lead acetate test paper provides a visible, reliable method for demonstrating the presence of sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in lab experiments. When exposed to H2S gas, the paper darkens as lead sulfide forms, an immediate, low-risk indication of sulfur-containing reactions in progress. This makes it an excellent teaching aid for qualitative analysis, redox chemistry, and environmental science labs.
This simple hydrogen sulfide lab experiment demonstrates how lead acetate paper detects sulfur compounds such as H2S released by decomposing materials. It connects chemical reactivity to real-world industrial applications such as oil drilling corrosion monitoring and wastewater treatment process control.
Lab Demonstration: Detecting Hydrogen Sulfide Gas with Lead Acetate Paper
Overview:
This simple and visually striking demonstration shows the reaction between hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and lead acetate paper, a classic test for sulfur-containing compounds. When H2S gas contacts the test paper, the lead acetate reacts to form lead sulfide (PbS), a black precipitate that provides an unmistakable visual cue of hydrogen sulfide presence.
This experiment is an engaging way to teach students about gas detection chemistry, redox reactions, and environmental monitoring techniques. It can be safely performed at classroom scale with appropriate precautions.
Demonstration Steps:
Prepare a small closed container with a piece of protein-rich material (e.g., egg white or sulfur-containing amino acid) to generate trace H2S.
Seal the container with a lead acetate test strip secured in the cap or stopper.
Allow the sample to stand for several hours or overnight.
Observe the darkening of the paper as lead sulfide forms — clear evidence of H2S. evolution.
Discipline
Learning Outcomes
Chemistry
Understand the reaction of lead acetate with hydrogen sulfide to form lead sulfide.
Explore precipitation reactions and visual detection methods for gas-phase analytes.
Correlate chemical oxidation states with reaction products (Pb2+ → PbS).
Environmental Science
Relate H2S. formation to microbial decomposition and anaerobic processes.
Identify field and industrial uses of lead acetate paper for gas leak detection.
Connect lab-scale gas detection methods to environmental monitoring applications.
Best Practices html Copy code
Category
Recommendations
Safety
Conduct the demonstration in a fume hood or well-ventilated area.
Handle lead acetate strips with gloves; dispose of them as hazardous waste.
Demonstration Setup
Use sealed sample jars to control H2S. release.
Include control samples to reinforce the reaction’s specificity for sulfur compounds.
Teaching Emphasis
Highlight how visual indicators like lead acetate test papers work without instrumentation.
Discuss industrial parallels such as **sour-water corrosion detection** and **leak testing**.
Related information or images
Sour Gas Detection
Wastewater/Biogas
Lead Acetate Hydrogen Sulfide Test Paper
Livestock/Agriculture
Museum Archived Material
Paper/Leather Conservation
Silver Tarnish
Specifications
The number of strips (100) per bag is approximate.
Shelf life is 3 years but if bag is properly sealed, they should be good for a minimum of 5 years or more.
Documentation
Test Strip Documentation
Stability Statement
Certificate of Analysis
SDS
Reviews (2)
2020-12-02
Exactly what I ordered.
— Randy
2017-01-16
The test strips from Indigo are top notch. They are always competitively priced and shipped on time. The best part of dealing with Indigo is that they stay on top of their products. We had a bad batch of strips arrive in the past but before we could figure it out the hard way, Indigo had identified the issue and had a replacement order already in the mail to us. Pretty hard to beat that kind of customer service.
— Mike Shields
— Indigo:
Thanks for the kind words & great review. We knew how important these strips were to your business & we happy to nip it in the bud!
Thanks for the kind words & great review. We knew how important these strips were to your business & we happy to nip it in the bud!