In this lab, the well-known alchemist's technique for turning common lead into gold will be explored. This conversion is important for several reasons: it supplies a almost free source of gold, it appeases the demands of kings on their court alchemists, and most importantly, it teaches one new (rather, old) techniques invaluable in the chemistry laboratory. The properties of the resultant gold are analyzed to see the efficiency of the procedure.
| Safety Information | ||
| Lead | Lead is highly poisonous. It is also very heavy and may cause broken toes if it falls on one's foot. | I will use protective gloves when handling the lead, will wear my safety goggles at all times, and I will not eat any of the lead. |
| Magic Powder | MSDS could not be found, but magic powder is known to do all kinds of things both good (cure cancer, make people fly) and bad (annihilate humans, create black holes) | Given the unpredictable properties of magic powder, care will be taken to avoid exposure to it. If an emergency occurs, I will notify my TA immediately |
| Gold Chloride | It would appear that gold is completely safe. The problem is that it is stored in an acidic solution, and therefore can be irritating to mucus membranes and skin. Vapors can be harmful. | Goggles and gloves will be worn at all times when dealing with this solution. |
| Aqua Regia | This is really bad stuff It eats through clothes, skin, eyes, whatever. It gives off NO2, a nerve gas, when it reacts. | Extreme care will be taken not to be exposed to this stuff. Goggles and gloves will be worn at all times when dealing with this. It will only be used in the fume hood. |