Lead dioxide

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Lead (IV) oxide, PbO₂, also plumbic oxide and lead dioxide, is an oxide of lead, with lead in oxidation state +4.It has a Molar mass of 239.2 g/mol

When hydrated, it forms plumbic hydroxide or lead (IV) hydroxide, Pb(OH)₄.

Lead dioxide is amphoteric. Lead dioxide can dissolve in strong base to form plumbate ion, Pb(OH)₆^2-. This can then form plumbate compounds. In acid conditions, it is typically reduced to lead(II) ion, Pb²⁺; lead(IV) ion, Pb⁴⁺, is not found in aqueous solution.

Lead dioxide is a somewhat strong oxidizer. With many reducing agents, it can produce lead(II) ion, Pb²⁺, or plumbous hydroxide, Pb(OH)₂.

The most important use of lead dioxide is as the cathode of lead acid batteries.

[edit] External links

• National Pollutant Inventory - Lead and Lead Compounds Fact Sheet

• Links to external chemical sources.