article

Lead(II) nitrate
General
Systematic name Lead(II) nitrate
Other names Lead nitrate
Plumbous nitrate
Lead dinitrate
Plumb dulcis
Molecular formula Pb(NO3)2
Molar mass 331.2 g/mol
Appearance White odourless solid
CAS number *
Properties
Density and phase 4.6 g/cm3, solid
Solubility in water 52 g/100 ml (20 °C)
in nitric acid insoluble
in alcohol 1 g/2500 ml
in methane 1 g/75 ml
Melting point 290 °C (563 K),
decomposes
Acidity (pKa) ?
Basicity (pKb) ?
Structure
Coordination
geometry 		?
Crystal structure ?
Dipole moment ? D
Hazards
MSDS External MSDS
Main hazards Poisonous
NFPA 704
Flash point Non-flammable
R/S statement R: , ,
, ,
S: , , ,
RTECS number OG2100000
Supplementary data page
Structure and
properties 		n, εr, etc.
Thermodynamic
data 		Phase behaviour
Solid, liquid, gas
Spectral data UV, IR, NMR, MS
Related compounds
Other anions Lead(II) phosphate
Lead(II) sulfide
Other cations Sodium nitrate
Magnesium nitrate
Related compounds Lead(II) oxide
Nitric acid
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Chemical infobox
The chemical compound lead(II) nitrate is the inorganic salt of nitric acid and lead. It is a highly toxic and carcinogenic colorless crystal or white powder and a strong, stable oxidizer. Unlike many lead(II) salts, it is soluble in water.

Lead nitrate was mentioned by the German alchemist Andreas Libavius in the fifteenth century, who named it plumb dulcis. It was first commercially produced in the United States in 1943.

Chemistry

When lead(II) nitrate is heated, it decomposes to lead(II) oxide, accompanied by a crackling noise referred to as "crepitation". Due to this property, lead nitrate is sometimes used in pyrotechnics such as fireworks.

When lead(II) nitrate in a clear colourless solution reacts with potassium iodide, also in a clear colourless solution, the precipitate is a bright yellow substance, lead(II) iodide. This reaction is often used for demonstration purposes of precipitation, due to its flamboyant character.

Pb(NO3)2(aq) + 2KI(aq) → PbI2(s) + 2 KNO3(aq)

The significant difference in solubility of the other lead salts and lead nitrate, make lead nitrate a good carrier for the production of the insoluble lead compounds.

Lead nitrate is known to form basic nitrates, such as Pb(NO3)OH and Pb3O(OH)2(NO3)2.

Production

The compound is normally obtained by dissolving lead as metal or oxide in aqueous nitric acid. There is no known industrial scale production.

3 Pb + 8 HNO3 → 3 Pb(NO3)2 + 2 NO + 4H2O

PbO + 2 HNO3 → Pb(NO3)2 (s) + H2O

Applications

Lead nitrate is used in the manufacture of matches and special explosives such as lead azide, in mordants for dyeing and printing calico textiles, in the manufacture of lead compounds, as heat stabilizer in nylon and polyesters, as coating of photothermograpic paper, and rodenticides.

Is it reported that lead nitrate has an effect on the leaching process in gold cyanidation, improving speed and yield, particularly in processing partially oxidized ores.

Safety

The metal lead and its unsoluble salt lead sulfide are not considered particularly dangerous. However, the soluble salts such as lead(II) chloride and very soluble lead(II) nitrate may lead to lead poisoning. Intoxication symptoms are intestinal malfunction, strong abdominal pains, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting and cramps. Due care should be taken before and during handling of the material.

External links

Material Safety Data Sheets

Lead compounds | Nitrates | IARC Group 2A carcinogens

Blei(II)-nitrat | Nitrato de plomo (II) | Azotan ołowiu(II)

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Lead(II) nitrate".

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