Lead (II) oxide

 

lead (II) oxide

Chemical formula	PbO
OTP appearance	white powder
Molar Mass(g/mol)	223.2
Density(g/cc)	9.53
Melting Point(°C)	888
Boiling Point(°C)	1477
Solubility in water(g/L)	0.05
NFPA 704	0 3 0

Uses

Primary

• Essential for the production of optical glass
• Essential for some voltaic cells

Secondary

• Key intermediate in the production of lead
• Combined with glycerol produces glass-adherent waterproof cement
• Used in ceramic glazes
• Combined with linseed oil produces a white paint

Natural occurrence

• Lead (II) oxide occurs naturally as the minerals litharge and massicot

Hazards

• Lead (II) oxide is toxic if ingested or inhaled

Production

Synthesis

from galena

1. Heat galena producing lead sulfate

   2 PbS + 2 O₂ → 2 PbSO₄

2. Roast lead sulfate producing lead (II) oxide and sulfur trioxide

   PbSO₄

   {

   →

   ≥1087°C}

   PbO + 2 SO₃

from lead metal

• Heat molten lead metal in air:

  2 Pb(l) + O₂(g)

  {

  →

  601°C}

  2 PbO(s)