Outline the steps that would be necessary to convert insoluble lead $\left(\mathrm{II}\right)$ oxide into soluble lead chloride, and write the balanced equations for the reactions.

For the required conversion, first, convert Lead oxide $\mathrm{\left(}\mathrm{PbO}\mathrm{\right)}$ to Lead nitrate $\mathrm{\left(}\mathrm{Pb}{\left({\mathrm{NO}}_3\right)}_{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{\right)}$, then Lead nitrate to lead chloride $\mathrm{\left(}{\mathrm{PbCl}}_{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{\right)}$.

Conversion of Lead oxide to Lead nitrate

• When Lead oxide reacts with dilute Nitric acid $\left({\mathrm{HNO}}_3\right)$, it forms a soluble Lead nitrate.

The chemical reaction can be represented as:

$\mathrm{PbO}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+2{\mathrm{HNO}}_3\left(\mathrm{dil}\right)\to \mathrm{Pb}{\left({\mathrm{NO}}_3\right)}_2\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)$

Conversion of Lead nitrate to Lead chloride

• Many salts can be prepared either by using oxide or hydroxide of the metal with the appropriate acid.
• When Lead nitrate reacts with Sodium chloride $\left(\mathrm{NaCl}\right)$, it forms an insoluble lead chloride along with Sodium nitrate $\left({\mathrm{NaNO}}_3\right)$.

The chemical reaction can be represented as:

$\mathrm{Pb}{\left({\mathrm{NO}}_3\right)}_2\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+2\mathrm{NaCl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to {\mathrm{PbCl}}_2\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+2{\mathrm{NaNO}}_3\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)$

Dissolving solid Lead chloride

• Lead chloride is an inorganic compound that is solid at room temperature. It is insoluble in cold water.
• However, it is soluble in hot water.
• Thus at last, filter the precipitate of lead chloride and add water to it and boil.
• The resulting solution will be soluble lead chloride.

In this way, insoluble lead $\left(\mathrm{II}\right)$ oxide is converted to soluble lead chloride.