Lead Acetate Formula

Chemical formula:

Sometimes, it is also written as

Physical properties

Appearance

Lead acetate typically exists as a white, crystalline solid or powder.

Molecular weight

Molecular weight is approximately 325.29 g/mol.

Solubility

Lead acetate is soluble in water and ethanol and forms a colorless solution. The solubility of lead acetate increases with the rise in the temperature in water.

Melting point

Lead acetate melts at around 75 °C or 167 °F. It decomposes on heating rather than melting.

Density

The density of lead acetate is about 1.58 g/cm³.

Odor

It is odorless.

Hygroscopicity

Lead acetate is hygroscopic, which means it can absorb moisture from the air.

Chemical properties

Decomposition

Lead acetate decomposes to give lead oxide, acetic acid, and carbon dioxide when heated.

Hydrolysis

Lead acetate can hydrolyze in aqueous solutions to release acetic acid and produce lead hydroxide.

Reaction with Sulfides

Lead acetate reacts with sulfides to give lead sulfide (black precipitate).

Formation of Complexes

Lead acetate could form complexes with many types of ligand. The complexes would change its reactivity and solubility.

Oxidation

Under some conditions, lead acetate could be oxidized which will potentially alter the oxidation of the lead cation.

Reaction with Acids

Lead acetate may react with concentrated acids to yield acetic acid and lead salts.

Lead Ion Behavior

The lead ion in lead acetate will behave like common lead compounds in that it may undergo reactions involving precipitation and complexation.

Application

Laboratory Reagent

Used as a reagent in many different types of chemical reactions and analyses, but especially in organic chemistry.

Pigment Manufacture

Earlier used in the manufacture of some pigments like lead chromate, for paints and coatings.

Analytical Chemistry

Used in gravimetric analysis to detect the existence of sulfide ions because it is one of the constituents to precipitate with.

Preparation of other Lead Compounds

It is used as a reagent for the preparation of other compounds containing lead, for example, lead sulfide.

Medicinal Uses (Traditional)

Formerly used in some medicines, e.g. in lead acetate for certain treatments; it has largely fallen out of favor because it is toxic.

Photography

It was traditionally used in photo processing applications, particularly with old film and prints.

Food Processing (Historical)

Traditionally used to produce confectionery--"sugar of lead" was a term once in ordinary use for a product in that line; that use is no longer acceptable today.

Electronics

It is sometimes used in the production of some electronic components.

Conclusion

Lead acetate is a versatile compound used both in the laboratory and as a pigment. The main drawback of this compound is that it is highly toxic. Therefore, its use has been restricted by various agencies to safer alternatives. Handling the compound demands caution since danger goes with an indication of increased awareness of risk to health.

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