What is the first step in making soluble salts using an insoluble base?

The first step in making soluble salts using an insoluble base involves gently warming the dilute acid. This is important because warming the acid increases the rate at which the acid reacts with the insoluble base, allowing the acid to dissolve the base more effectively. When the acid is warmed, it can provide enough energy to facilitate a quicker reaction without causing excessive bubbling that may occur with a vigorous reaction if the acid were boiled.

By gently warming the dilute acid, you maintain control over the reaction, reducing the chances of splattering or boiling over, which could lead to unsafe situations. Additionally, it ensures that the process remains manageable, allowing for effective combining with the insoluble base to yield the desired soluble salt.

Cooling the solution, adding water to the acid, or boiling the acid are not appropriate first steps because cooling would slow down the reaction, adding water could dilute the acid and make it less effective in reacting with the base, and boiling would pose safety risks and might lead to an uncontrolled reaction.