Lead (ii) acetate
| Formula: | C4H6O4Pbx3H2O |
| Chemical formula: | (CH3COO)2Pb*3H2O |
| Density: | 2.55 g/cm3 (20 °C) |
| Molar mass: | 379.34 g/mol |
| Bulk density: | ~ 1200 kg/m3 |
| CAS number: | 6080-56-4 |
| EC index number: | 082-005-00-8 |
| HS code: | 29152900 |
| EC number: | 206-104-4 |
| Storage: | Without limitations |
| SDS: | available |
| R phrase : | R 61-33-E48/22-50/53 |
| S phrase: | S 53-45-60-61 |
| Odour: | weakly of acetic acid |
| Form: | solid |
| Color | colourless to wihte |
| p H value | 5.5-6.5 (50 g/l 20 °C) |
| Solubility in water | 443 g/l (20 °C) |
| Assay | 99.5 – 103.0 | % | |
| Color & Description | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| Identication | Conforms | ||
| Chloride (Cl) | ≤ | 0.0005 | % |
| Insoluble matter | ≤ | 0.01 | % |
| Nitrate and Nitrate | ≤ | 0.005 | % |
| Calcium | ≤ | 0.005 | % |
| Copper | ≤ | 0.001 | % |
| Iron | ≤ | 0.001 | % |
| Potassium | ≤ | 0.005 | % |
| Sodium | ≤ | 0.005 | % |
Lead(II) acetate is a white or colorless crystalline inorganic compound historically known as “sugar of lead” due to its sweet taste, and is used in chemical analysis, pigment production, and formerly in cosmetics and medicine.
🏭⚗️ Production
It is typically prepared by dissolving lead(II) oxide or metallic lead in acetic acid, followed by crystallization and drying to obtain the trihydrate or anhydrous forms of lead(II) acetate.
🔬 Properties
The chemical formula is Pb(C₂H₃O₂)₂ with a molar mass of approximately 325.29 g/mol in its trihydrate form. It appears as colorless or white crystals that are soluble in water and glycerol, forming slightly acidic solutions. It is stable under normal conditions but decomposes at high temperatures, and can slowly absorb carbon dioxide from air.
🧪 Applications
Lead(II) acetate is used in laboratories as a reagent for detecting hydrogen sulfide gas, in the preparation of other lead compounds, and in the dyeing of textiles. Historically, it was used in cosmetics, hair dyes, and as a medicinal astringent, though such uses are now banned or heavily restricted due to toxicity concerns.
⚠️ Safety
This compound is highly toxic and poses serious health risks upon ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, potentially leading to lead poisoning affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and blood. It is classified as a probable human carcinogen and must be handled with strict protective measures including gloves, lab coats, goggles, and fume hoods. Storage should be in sealed containers away from acids and food-related areas.
