Lead nitrate (Pb(NO₃)₂) is a white crystalline solid. It is soluble in water and commonly used in the lab for various applications, like making other lead compounds and fireworks.
| IUPAC Name | Lead(II) nitrate |
| Molecular Formula | Pb(NO₃)₂ |
| CAS Number | 10099-74-8 |
| Synonyms | Plumbous nitrate, Lead dinitrate, Lead(II) nitrate, Lead nitrate(IV) |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2NO3.Pb/c22-1(3)4;/q2-1;+2 |
Lead Nitrate Properties
Lead Nitrate Formula
The chemical formula of lead dinitrate is Pb(NO₃)₂. It indicates that each molecule of lead dinitrate contains one lead (Pb) atom bonded to two NO₃ ions. This formula is essential for understanding the composition and properties of the compound.
Lead Nitrate Molar Mass
The molar mass of lead dinitrate can be calculated by adding up the atomic masses of its constituent elements. For lead (Pb), the atomic mass is approximately 207.2 g/mol, and for NO₃, it is about 62.0 g/mol. Adding these values together yields a molar mass of around 331.2 g/mol for lead dinitrate.
Lead Nitrate Boiling Point
Lead dinitrate’s boiling point is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a gas under standard atmospheric pressure. The boiling point of lead dinitrate is relatively high, around 470°C (878°F), making it suitable for certain industrial applications.
Lead Nitrate Melting Point
The melting point of lead dinitrate is the temperature at which it changes from a solid to a liquid. Lead dinitrate has a melting point of approximately 470°C (878°F). This characteristic helps determine its appropriate storage and handling conditions.
Lead Nitrate Density g/mL
Lead dinitrate density is a measure of its mass per unit volume. The density of lead dinitrate is about 4.53 g/mL. This high density makes it a heavy substance and is taken into account in various industrial and laboratory processes.
Lead Nitrate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of lead dinitrate, also known as its molar mass, is approximately 331.2 g/mol. This value is crucial in stoichiometric calculations and in determining the amount of substance in a given sample.
Lead Nitrate Structure
Lead dinitrate has a crystal structure in its solid form. The Pb²⁺ cations are surrounded by NO₃⁻ anions in a three-dimensional arrangement. This crystal lattice structure gives lead dinitrate its stability and characteristic properties.
Lead Nitrate Solubility
Lead dinitrate is highly soluble in water. It readily dissolves in water to form a clear, colorless solution. The solubility of lead dinitrate is essential in various applications, such as in chemical reactions and as a precursor in the synthesis of other lead compounds. Proper handling and disposal are crucial due to its solubility and potential environmental impacts.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 4.53 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 331.2 g/mol |
| Density | 4.53 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 470°C (878°F) |
| Boiling Point | ~470°C (~878°F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethyl alcohol |
| Vapour Pressure | Not available |
| Vapour Density | Not available |
| pKa | Not available |
| pH | Neutral (around 7) |
Lead Nitrate Safety and Hazards
Lead dinitrate poses several safety hazards. Direct contact with the compound can irritate the skin and eyes. Inhalation of lead dinitrate dust or fumes may lead to respiratory issues. Due to its solubility in water, it can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life. Additionally, lead compounds are toxic when ingested, and lead poisoning can result from exposure. To minimize risks, proper safety measures should be employed when handling lead dinitrate, such as using protective equipment, working in a well-ventilated area, and following established guidelines for storage, handling, and disposal. It is essential to be cautious to prevent adverse health effects and environmental contamination.
| Hazard Symbols | Health Hazard, Corrosive, Irritant |
| Safety Description | Irritant. Avoid direct contact. Use PPE. |
| UN IDs | UN 1469 (Lead dinitrate) |
| HS Code | 2834.29.1000 |
| Hazard Class | 5.1 (Oxidizing Agent) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Toxic if ingested or inhaled. |
Lead Nitrate Synthesis Methods
There are several methods for synthesizing lead dinitrate, all involving the reaction of lead compounds with nitric acid.
One common approach is to mix lead oxide (PbO) or lead carbonate (PbCO₃) with concentrated nitric acid (HNO₃). The reaction produces lead dinitrate and water. Another method involves dissolving metallic lead or lead oxide in dilute nitric acid, leading to the formation of lead dinitrate.
The second method involves the reaction between Pb(OAc)₂ and sodium nitrate. In this approach, dissolve Pb(OAc)₂ in water and then add sodium nitrate to the solution. The reaction between these two compounds leads to the formation of lead dinitrate and sodium acetate.
The chemist must dissolve lead metal or lead oxide in warm dilute nitric acid to synthesize lead dinitrate in a laboratory setting. They need to carefully control the reaction to avoid generating excessive heat and fumes. Once the reaction is complete, the lead dinitrate solution is usually purified by filtration or crystallization.
It is crucial to handle the synthesis process with care due to the toxicity of lead compounds. Ensuring safety, they must use adequate ventilation and wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Moreover, they must dispose of all waste materials properly to prevent environmental contamination.
Lead Nitrate Uses
Lead dinitrate finds various applications across different industries due to its unique properties. Some of the primary uses of lead dinitrate include:
- Pyrotechnics: Manufacturers commonly use lead dinitrate to enhance the brightness and colors of pyrotechnic displays as it acts as an oxidizing agent.
- Dye and Pigment Industry: The production of certain lead-based pigments and dyes, like chrome yellow and orange pigments, involves the use of lead dinitrate as a raw material.
- Heat Stabilizer: The plastics industry utilizes lead dinitrate as a heat stabilizer for PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to prevent thermal degradation during processing and usage.
- Matches: Matchstick heads contain lead dinitrate to promote ignition when struck against a rough surface.
- Electroplating: Electroplating baths incorporate lead dinitrate as a crucial component to aid in the deposition of lead coatings on various surfaces.
- Analytical Chemistry: Laboratories employ lead dinitrate as a reagent for conducting specific chemical tests and analyses.
- Corrosion Inhibitor: Certain formulations use lead dinitrate as a corrosion inhibitor for metals, protecting them from oxidation and degradation.
- Pharmaceuticals: The pharmaceutical industry occasionally uses lead dinitrate as a reagent in specific synthesis processes.
Questions:
Q: Is lead nitrate soluble?
A: Yes, lead dinitrate is soluble in water.
Q: Silver metal is added to a solution of lead(ii) nitrate. What is a balanced chemical reaction?
A: Balanced chemical reaction: 2Ag + Pb(NO₃)₂ → 2AgNO₃ + Pb.
Q: Is lead ii nitrate an electrolyte?
A: Yes, lead(II) dinitrate is an electrolyte.
Q: What is the mass % of lead in lead (ii) nitrate (pb(no3)2) rounded to three significant figures?
A: The mass % of lead in Pb(NO₃)₂ is approximately 73.5%.
Q: What happens when lead nitrate is heated?
A: When lead dinitrate is heated, it decomposes to produce lead oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen gases.
Q: Is lead nitrate soluble in water?
A: Yes, lead dinitrate is highly soluble in water.
Q: Which two gases are released on heating lead nitrate?
A: The two gases released are nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and oxygen (O₂).
Q: What do you observe when lead nitrate is heated?
A: When lead dinitrate is heated, it decomposes, releasing brown fumes of nitrogen dioxide, and a yellow residue of lead oxide is left behind.
Q: Which gas is evolved when lead nitrate is heated?
A: Nitrogen dioxide gas (NO₂) is evolved when lead dinitrate is heated.
Q: What will happen if we combine the solution of sodium iodide and the solution of lead(ii) nitrate?
A: When the solutions of sodium iodide and lead(II) dinitrate are combined, a yellow precipitate of lead iodide (PbI₂) will form.