Lead (IV) Acetate Formula

Lead (IV) Acetate, has a chemical name of lead tetraacetate, it is chemically made of lead cation and acetate anion. 
Lead is a chemical element from the periodic table. The atomic number of lead is 82 and it is represented by the symbol Pb. It is a very heavy metal and its density is high when compared to other materials. The melting point of lead is relatively low. It is a soft and malleable solid. When it is freshly extracted it is of silver color with a little blue but later it changes to grey color. It has a weak metallic character. The oxidation state of lead is +2 and +4. Galena is the main ore used for the extraction of lead.

Carbon is a nonmetallic, tetravalent element that is of great use to humans. Its name is derived from Latin carbo which means charcoal or ember. Even though carbon is only 0.025% of the earth’s crust and 0.03% in the atmosphere it is of great importance to mankind. Carbon’s abundance and its ability to form polymer at normal temperature is the reason it is commonly found in all living forms. The largest source of inorganic carbon is limestones, dolomite, etc.

What is Lead (IV) Acetate?

Lead acetate is a colorless solid. The chemical formula of lead acetate is Pb(C₂H₃O₂)₄. It is generally soluble in nonpolar solvents. Lead acetate is also called Lead tetraacetate. It is generally stored in acetic acid to avoid moisture. Lead acetate disintegrated on contact with water. The main use of Lead Acetate is in organic synthesis. 

Preparation methods of Lead (IV) Acetate

• It is generally prepared by treating red lead with acetic anhydride and acetic acid in the presence of oxygen. acetic anhydride is added to absorb water.

2Pb+4CH₃COOH+O₂→Pb(CH₃COO)₄+2Pb(CH₃COO)₂

•  Lead (IV) acetate can be made from Lead (II) acetate by the partial oxidation of Lead (II) acetate.

2Pb(CH₃COO)₂+ Cl₂ —> Pb(CH₃COO)₄ + PbCl₂

_{Structure of Lead(IV) Acetate}

Lead (IV) Acetate is generally present in its solid state. In its solid form, the Pb atom has an oxidation state of +4. The Pb ion is surrounded by four [CH₃O₂ ]^-1 ions in all directions. The acetate ion consists of two carbon atoms ionically bound to three hydrogen and two oxygen atoms. The ions are bidentate. The oxygen atoms from flattened trigonal dodecahedron. The below image shows represent the structure of Lead(IV) Acetate.

Physical Properties of Lead(IV) Acetate

Various physical properties of Lead(IV) Acetate are given below:

• It is generally found in Pink color but it can be even found in Colorless crystals.
• It has a vinegar-like odor.
• The density of Lead(IV) Acetate is 2.228 g/cm³.
• The molecular mass of Lead(IV) Acetate is 443 amu.
• Lead(IV) Acetate is insoluble in water.

Chemical Properties of Lead(IV) Acetate

Lead(IV) Acetate has various chemical properties which are of significant use some of them are listed below:

• Lead(IV) Acetate is soluble in benzene, chloroform, and nitrobenzene.
• When it is heated above the melting point then decomposes.
• The melting point of  Lead(IV) Acetate is 175^o C.
• It is used in the Oxidation of hydrazones to diazo compounds.
• Lead(IV) Acetate reacts with alkenes to form y lactose.
• When hydroquinone undergoes a reaction with lead acetate it gives p Benzoquinone.

• Lead(IV) Acetate is used to convert 1,2-dicarboxylic acids or other cyclic anhydrides to alkenes.

Uses of Lead(IV) Acetate

Lead(IV) Acetate has very important uses in our everyday life some of them include,

• It is used in organic synthesis.
• It is used as an oxidizing agent in many reactions.
• In the earlier days, it is used as a sweetener in wine. Due to the sweet taste. It has now been replaced by others. 
• Lead(IV) Acetate is used to convert 1,2-dicarboxylic acids or other cyclic anhydrides to alkenes.
• It is used in the Oxidation of hydrazones to diazo compounds.

Health Hazard of Lead(IV) Acetate

Lead(IV) Acetate has a huge negative impact on our health some of them are:

• Lead(IV) Acetate is lethal when consumed or inhaled.
• Lead(IV) Acetate is neurotoxic.
• Lead(IV) Acetate causes irritation in the eyes and throat when it comes in contact. 
• High exposure for a long time may cause damage to the kidneys and the central nervous system.

FAQs on Lead(IV) Acetate

Question 1:  When was Lead(IV) Acetate discovered?

Answer:

Lead acetate is a colorless solid. The chemical formula of lead acetate is Pb(C₂H₃O₂)₄. It was discovered by Criegee in 1931. It has the ability to cleave the carbon-carbon bond of 1,2-diols.  It is generally soluble in nonpolar solvents. Lead acetate is also called Lead tetraacetate. It is generally stored in acetic acid to avoid moisture. Lead acetate disintegrated on contact with water. The main use of Lead Acetate is in organic synthesis. 

Question 2: What is Criegee oxidation?

Answer:

Criegee oxidation is a glycol cleavage reaction in which vicinal diols are oxidized to form ketones and aldehydes using lead tetraacetate as the oxidizing agent. It is used as an oxidizing agent in many reactions. It is similar to the Malaprade reaction, the only difference is that in Criegee oxidation a milder oxidant is used. Criegee oxidations are used in carbohydrate chemistry.

Question 3: Is Lead(IV) Acetate safe for humans?

Answer:

Lead(IV) Acetate is harmful to humans and animals. Lead(IV) Acetate is lethal when consumed or inhaled. Lead(IV) Acetate is neurotoxic. Lead(IV) Acetate causes irritation in the eyes and throat when it comes in contact.  High exposure for a long time may cause damage to the kidneys and the central nervous system.

Question 4: What is the Lead Acetate test and what is its significance?

Answer:

The lead acetate test is used to test the presence of hydrogen sulfide in a fluid. This is done by discoloration of a paper moistened with lead acetate.  solution. It is considered important to test the presence of Lead acetate in the water due to the poisonous nature of the compound. Hydrogen sulfide is highly flammable and explosive.

Question 5: Why is Lead Acetate used in filtration?

Answer:

Lead acetate is a colorless solid. The chemical formula of lead acetate is Pb(C₂H₃O₂)₄. Lead acetate is used in the filtration process due to its ability to absorb UV rays produced as a result of reactions of Vitamin D. It is mostly used in reactions involving vitamin D to obtain a higher yield.

Question 6: List some uses of Lead(IV) Acetate.

Answer:

It is used in dyeing textiles. It is used for waterproofing and varnishes due to its hydrophobic nature. It is used in the manufacturing of insecticides. It is used in organic synthesis. It is used as an oxidizing agent in many reactions. Lead(IV) Acetate is used to convert 1,2-dicarboxylic acids or other cyclic anhydrides to alkenes.