Lead chloride (PbCl2) is a white crystalline solid formed by combining lead and chlorine. It’s used in various applications, including pigments, dyes, and as a raw material in chemical synthesis.
| IUPAC Name | Lead(II) chloride |
| Molecular Formula | PbCl2 |
| CAS Number | 7758-95-4 |
| Synonyms | Lead dichloride, Plumbous chloride, Lead(II) dichloride, Plumbous dichloride |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2ClH.Pb/h2*1H;/q;;+2/p-2 |
Lead Chloride Properties
Lead Chloride Formula
The formula of lead dichloride is PbCl2. It indicates that each unit of lead dichloride contains one lead (Pb) atom and two chlorine (Cl) atoms. This white crystalline compound forms through the combination of lead and chlorine atoms.
Lead Chloride Molar Mass
The molar mass of lead dichloride is approximately 278.1 g/mol. This value is obtained by summing the atomic masses of one lead atom (207.2 g/mol) and two chlorine atoms (2 * 35.5 g/mol).
Lead Chloride Boiling Point
Lead dichloride has a boiling point of about 1,074 degrees Celsius (1,967 degrees Fahrenheit). At this temperature, the solid lead dichloride transforms into a gaseous state.
Lead Chloride Melting Point
The melting point of lead dichloride is around 501 degrees Celsius (934 degrees Fahrenheit). At this temperature, the solid lead dichloride transitions into a liquid state.
Lead Chloride Density g/mL
Lead dichloride has a density of about 5.85 g/mL. This density value indicates the mass of lead dichloride occupying one milliliter of volume.
Lead Chloride Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of lead dichloride is approximately 278.1 g/mol. It represents the mass of one mole of lead dichloride molecules.
Lead Chloride Structure
Lead dichloride has a crystal structure where lead ions (Pb2+) are surrounded by chloride ions (Cl-) in a lattice arrangement. This ionic bonding contributes to its stability and properties.
Lead Chloride Solubility
Lead dichloride exhibits limited solubility in water. It dissolves in water to form a colorless solution, and its solubility can be influenced by factors like temperature and the presence of other ions. However, lead dichloride is more soluble in certain acids, such as hydrochloric acid.
In summary, lead dichloride (PbCl2) is a white crystalline compound with a molar mass of approximately 278.1 g/mol. It has a melting point of about 501 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of around 1,074 degrees Celsius. With a density of 5.85 g/mL, lead dichloride has limited solubility in water and forms a distinct crystal structure due to its ionic bonding between lead and chloride ions.
| Appearance | White solid |
| Specific Gravity | 5.85 g/mL |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 278.1 g/mol |
| Density | 5.85 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 501°C |
| Boiling Point | 1,074°C |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Limited |
| Solubility | Soluble in certain acids, such as hydrochloric acid |
| Vapour Pressure | Not available |
| Vapour Density | Not available |
| pKa | Not available |
| pH | Not available |
Please note that some properties, such as flash point, vapor pressure, vapor density, pKa, and pH, are not applicable or not readily available for lead dichloride.
Lead Chloride Safety and Hazards
Lead dichloride poses several safety hazards. It is toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, leading to health risks, especially for children and pregnant women. Handling lead dichloride requires proper protective equipment like gloves and safety goggles to avoid skin and eye contact. Additionally, it should be used in well-ventilated areas to prevent inhalation of toxic fumes. Careful storage and handling are crucial to prevent spills and contamination. In case of accidental exposure, immediate medical attention is necessary. Due to its toxicity, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines and dispose of lead dichloride properly to protect both human health and the environment.
| Hazard Symbols | Hazard, Toxic |
| Safety Description | Toxic; harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Use with caution. |
| UN IDs | N/A (Lead dichloride is not assigned a UN number) |
| HS Code | 2827399000 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic substances) |
| Packing Group | III (Packaging group III – Substances with a minor danger) |
| Toxicity | Highly toxic; poses health risks, especially for children and pregnant women. Use appropriate safety measures. |
Please note that lead dichloride is not assigned a specific UN number since it is not transported in large quantities, but it falls under the hazard class of toxic substances (6.1). Proper safety precautions should be taken while handling and using lead dichloride due to its toxicity.
Lead Chloride Synthesis Methods
Various methods exist for synthesizing lead dichloride. One common approach involves heating lead metal and passing chlorine gas over it, resulting in the formation of lead dichloride. Another method includes reacting lead oxide (PbO) with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to produce lead dichloride and water.
An alternative route comprises the precipitation method, where soluble lead salts react with soluble chloride salts like sodium chloride (NaCl), yielding lead dichloride as a solid precipitate. In double displacement reactions, lead dichloride forms when lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) reacts with a soluble chloride salt like sodium chloride. The reaction produces lead dichloride and sodium nitrate (NaNO3).
To ensure the safety of the individuals involved and minimize environmental impact, it is crucial to observe proper safety precautions during the synthesis process. This includes using adequate ventilation and wearing appropriate protective equipment due to the toxicity of lead dichloride.
Lead Chloride Uses
Lead dichloride finds several uses in different industries. Here are some of its applications:
- Pigments: Lead dichloride imparts brightness and opacity, making it a white pigment used in paints, coatings, and dyes.
- Chemical Synthesis: It plays a crucial role as a raw material in chemical synthesis processes, particularly in producing other lead compounds and chemicals.
- PVC Stabilizer: Lead dichloride enhances the thermal stability and overall performance of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a stabilizer during production.
- Laboratory Reagent: Laboratories use lead dichloride as an active reagent for specific chemical tests and analyses.
- Mordant in Dyeing: It actively functions as a mordant in dyeing processes, aiding the fixation of dyes onto textiles and fabrics.
- Nuclear Applications: Lead dichloride effectively shields radiation in nuclear reactors and facilities due to its high density and capacity to absorb gamma rays.
- Electroplating: In electroplating applications, lead dichloride actively deposits a thin layer of lead onto various metal surfaces, improving corrosion resistance and conductivity.
- Batteries: Lead dichloride plays a crucial role in certain types of lead-acid batteries, contributing to the battery chemistry.
While lead dichloride has diverse applications, its toxic nature necessitates careful handling and proper disposal to prevent health and environmental risks.
Questions:
Q: How many moles of PbCl2 will be formed?
A: The number of moles formed depends on the given quantity of reactants and the balanced chemical equation.
Q: Is PbCl2 soluble in water?
A: PbCl2 has limited solubility in water.
Q: How many moles of PbCl2?
A: The number of moles of PbCl2 can be determined using its mass and molar mass.
Q: Which of the following is insoluble in water? Li2CO3, NaOH, PbCl2, Ba(OH)2, (NH4)2S.
A: PbCl2 is insoluble in water.
Q: Is PbCl2 a precipitate?
A: Yes, if Pb2+ and Cl- ions combine in a reaction to form a solid, it is a precipitate.
Q: How many moles of lead chloride will be formed?
A: The number of moles formed depends on the stoichiometry of the reaction.
Q: Is lead chloride soluble in water?
A: Lead dichloride has limited solubility in water.
Q: How many formula units are present in 500.0 g of lead(II) chloride?
A: The number of formula units can be calculated using the molar mass and Avogadro’s constant.
Q: How is lead(II) chloride react in hot water?
A: Lead(II) dichloride may partially dissolve in hot water due to increased solubility with temperature.
Q: How many grams are in 8.32 mol of lead(II) chloride?
A: The mass can be determined using the molar mass of lead(II) dichloride and the given number of moles.
Q: Is lead chloride soluble?
A: Lead dichloride has limited solubility in water.
Q: Which of the following actions would shift this reaction toward solid lead chloride?
A: Removing Cl- ions from the reaction mixture would shift it toward solid lead dichloride formation.
Q: Which is the formula for lead(IV) dichloride?
A: The formula for lead(IV) dichloride is PbCl4.
Q: The solubility of lead(II) dichloride (PbCl2) is 1.6 × 10^-2 M. What is the Ksp of PbCl2?
A: The Ksp (solubility product constant) for PbCl2 can be calculated from its solubility.