Lead oxide (PbO) is a compound formed by lead and oxygen. It is used in batteries, ceramics, and glass production due to its distinct properties and applications.
| IUPAC Name | Lead(II) oxide |
| Molecular Formula | PbO |
| CAS Number | 1317-36-8 |
| Synonyms | Lead monoxide, Lead(II) oxide, Litharge |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2O.Pb |
Lead Oxide Properties
Lead Oxide Formula
The chemical formula of lead monoxide is PbO. It consists of one lead (Pb) atom and one oxygen (O) atom, resulting in a simple and well-defined molecular structure.
Lead Oxide Molar Mass
The molar mass of lead monoxide (PbO) is approximately 223.2 grams per mole (g/mol). This value is obtained by summing the atomic masses of one lead atom and one oxygen atom.
Lead Oxide Boiling Point
Lead monoxide does not have a distinct boiling point as it undergoes decomposition before reaching its boiling point. When heated, it transforms into lead metal and oxygen gas.
Lead Oxide Melting Point
The melting point of lead monoxide (PbO) is around 888°C (1,630°F). At this temperature, the solid lead monoxide turns into a molten liquid, facilitating various industrial applications.
Lead Oxide Density g/mL
Lead monoxide has a density of approximately 9.53 grams per milliliter (g/mL). This high density makes it useful in various industries like ceramics and glass production.
Lead Oxide Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of lead monoxide (PbO) is 223.2 g/mol. This value represents the sum of the atomic masses of lead and oxygen in a single molecule of lead monoxide.
Lead Oxide Structure
Lead monoxide possesses a crystal lattice structure, with lead cations (Pb2+) occupying lattice positions, and oxide anions (O2-) filling the interstitial spaces. This arrangement results in a stable ionic bond.
Lead Oxide Solubility
Lead monoxide (PbO) exhibits low solubility in water. It only slightly dissolves in water, forming a basic solution due to the hydrolysis of lead cations. Its solubility can increase in acidic environments.
| Appearance | Yellow or red powder |
| Specific Gravity | 9.53 g/mL |
| Color | Yellow or red |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 223.2 g/mol |
| Density | 9.53 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 888°C (1,630°F) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Slightly soluble |
| Solubility | Low solubility, can increase in acidic environments |
| Vapour Pressure | Not available |
| Vapour Density | Not available |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Basic (in aqueous solution) |
Lead Oxide Safety and Hazards
Lead monoxide poses potential safety hazards, demanding cautious handling. Inhalation or ingestion of lead monoxide dust or fumes can lead to lead poisoning, adversely affecting the nervous system and organs. Adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment are vital when dealing with this compound. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing to prevent irritation. Furthermore, lead monoxide is harmful to aquatic life and the environment; its release into water bodies should be strictly avoided. Proper storage and disposal methods must be followed to minimize risks. Always adhere to safety guidelines and regulatory measures when working with lead monoxide.
| Hazard Symbols | Health Hazard |
| Safety Description | – Inhalation or ingestion may cause lead poisoning and harm organs. – Avoid eye and skin contact to prevent irritation. – Handle with proper ventilation and personal protective equipment. Avoid release into the environment. Follow safety guidelines. |
| UN IDs | UN3077 |
| HS Code | 2824.90.7000 |
| Hazard Class | 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles) |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. |
Lead Oxide Synthesis Methods
Lead monoxide synthesis involves several methods. One common approach includes the thermal decomposition of lead nitrate, where we heat lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) to a specific temperature. This process breaks down lead nitrate into lead monoxide (PbO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and oxygen gas (O2). The chemical reaction represents:
2 Pb(NO3)2 → 2 PbO + 4 NO2 + O2
Another method involves the oxidation of metallic lead. Metallic lead reacts with oxygen to yield lead monoxide:
2 Pb + O2 → 2 PbO
Additionally, subjecting lead metal to corrosion in acidic conditions yields lead monoxide. In this scenario, lead reacts with oxygen and water to produce lead monoxide:
2 Pb + 2 H2O + O2 → 2 PbO + 2 H2O
These methods are crucial in producing lead monoxide for various applications, such as in the manufacturing of batteries, ceramics, and pigments. However, it is essential to handle lead compounds with caution due to their potential health and environmental hazards.
Lead Oxide Uses
Lead monoxide finds diverse applications across various industries due to its unique properties. Here are its common uses:
- Ceramics: It acts as a flux in ceramic production, enhancing the melting characteristics and overall quality of ceramic materials.
- Radiation Shielding: Its high density and effectiveness in absorbing radiation make lead monoxide suitable for radiation shielding in medical facilities and nuclear industries.
- PVC Stabilizer: It functions as a heat stabilizer and lubricant in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processing, aiding in the manufacturing of pipes, cables, and other PVC products.
- Semiconductor Devices: It serves as a material in some semiconductor devices, such as lead monoxide varistors, used for surge protection.
- Lead-Acid Batteries: Lead-acid batteries utilize lead monoxide as a crucial component, providing them with the necessary properties for use in vehicles, backup power supplies, and uninterruptible power sources.
- Glass Production: Lead monoxide plays a vital role in the production of lead glass, imparting it with an increased refractive index and brilliance, thus making it highly suitable for decorative and optical purposes.
- Pigment Application: Paints and coatings benefit from various lead-based pigments, such as red lead (Pb3O4), due to their vibrant colors and weather resistance.
- Rubber Industry Usage: The rubber industry employs lead monoxide as an accelerator and vulcanization agent, effectively enhancing the properties and durability of rubber products.
While lead monoxide has significant industrial applications, it is essential to handle it with care due to its potential health and environmental risks. Proper safety measures and regulations are essential to ensure its responsible use in various industries.
Questions:
Q: Which of the following is a balanced equation representing the decomposition of lead(IV) oxide?
A: The balanced equation for the decomposition of lead(IV) oxide is PbO2 → PbO + O2.
Q: What is the chemical formula for lead(IV) oxide?
A: The chemical formula for lead(IV) oxide is PbO2.
Q: How many grams of lead(II) oxide will be produced from 86.5 grams of potassium iodide?
A: To determine the grams of lead(II) oxide produced, we need a chemical reaction equation involving potassium iodide and PbO.
Q: What is lead monoxide?
A: Lead monoxide refers to any compound containing lead and oxygen, and it exists in several forms, including lead(II) oxide (PbO) and lead(IV) oxide (PbO2).
Q: 0.632 moles of lead were oxidized to lead(II) nitrate. How many moles of silver would be deposited?
A: To calculate moles of silver deposited, we need a balanced chemical equation representing the reduction of lead(II) nitrate to silver.
Q: What is the name of PbO?
A: The name of PbO is lead(II) oxide.
Q: What is the oxidation number for lead?
A: The oxidation number for lead in PbO is +2, and in PbO2, it is +4.
Q: Is PbO amphoteric?
A: No, PbO is not amphoteric; it does not exhibit acidic or basic properties.
Q: What is PbO?
A: PbO is the chemical formula for lead(II) oxide, a compound used in various applications, including lead-acid batteries and glass manufacturing.
Q: How to balance the equation Pb(NO3)2 = PbO + NO2 + O2?
A: The balanced equation for the decomposition of lead(II) nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) is 2Pb(NO3)2 = 2PbO + 4NO2 + O2.