Lead Acetate Formula, Structure, Molecular Weight, and Molar Mass

Lead acetate formula is Pb(CH₃COO)₂, also known as lead(II) acetate. It is a white crystalline solid soluble in water and has a sweetish taste. Lead acetate is a toxic substance and should be handled with extreme care due to its harmful effects on human health and the environment. Lead acetate  can be prepared by reacting acetic acid (CH₃COOH) with lead oxide (PbO). The reaction results in the formation of lead acetate and water.

Lead Acetate Formula

The lead acetate formula is Pb(CH₃COO)₂, also written as Pb(CH₃COO)₂•3H₂O when accounting for water molecules present in the compound. This formula breaks down as follows:

– Pb: Represents the chemical symbol for lead, denoting the presence of one lead (Pb) atom.
– (CH₃COO)₂: Indicates the acetate ion, which consists of two acetate (CH₃COO-) groups. Each acetate group comprises carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms, bonded together.
– H₂O: Refers to three water (H₂O) molecules associated with the lead acetate compound.

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Lead Acetate Formula Structure

The structure of lead acetate formula can be described as a coordination compound where the lead ion (Pb²⁺) is coordinated with two acetate ions (CH₃COO-) and three water molecules (H₂O). The acetate ions bond to the lead ion through their oxygen atoms, forming coordination bonds.

This compound often appears in the form of colorless or white crystals, and its structure is vital in understanding its chemical behavior and reactivity.

Also Read: Acetamide Formula

Lead Acetate Formula Molecular Weight

To determine the molecular weight of lead acetate formula, one needs to sum the atomic masses of all the constituent elements and molecules within the formula. Here’s how to calculate it:

– Pb: The atomic mass of lead (Pb) is approximately 207.2 g/mol.
– (CH₃COO)₂: To find the molecular weight of the acetate ion, you would sum the atomic masses of its constituent elements (C, H, and O). The molar mass of acetate is approximately 59 g/mol.
– 3H₂O: Water (H₂O) has a molar mass of approximately 18 g/mol.

Now, we can calculate the molecular weight of lead acetate:

Molecular weight of Pb(CH₃COO)₂•3H₂O = (1 Pb atom × 207.2 g/mol) + (2 acetate ions × 59 g/mol) + (3 water molecules × 18 g/mol) ≈ 382.2 g/mol.

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Lead Acetate Formula Molar Mass

The molar mass of lead acetate is approximately 382.2 grams per mole (g/mol). This value is significant in various chemical calculations, such as determining the amount of lead acetate in a given sample, understanding its behavior in chemical reactions, and performing stoichiometric calculations.

Properties of Lead Acetate

Lead acetate, also known as lead(II) acetate, is a toxic chemical compound with a few notable properties. Handling lead acetate with great care is essential due to its toxicity. Here are some of its key properties

Uses of Lead Acetate 

Lead acetate was once popular as a sweetener, thanks to its mildly sweet taste. The Romans would boil grape juice in lead pots to produce a reduced sugar syrup called defrutum. However, it was later discovered that this practice was causing lead poisoning due to the toxic nature of lead compounds, including lead acetate. As a result, regulations were put in place to ban the use of lead acetate as a sweetener. Despite its previous widespread use in the cosmetic industry, current restrictions have greatly limited its presence in products, with hair coloring being one of the few remaining uses. In fact, many areas have completely banned it from food and cosmetic items due to its harmful effects on health and reproduction. Lead acetate solution, also known as Goulard’s Extract, has found a place in modern medicine as an astringent for constricting mucous membranes and exposed tissues. French surgeon Thomas Goulard first introduced this solution made up of lead acetate and lead oxide. Paper containing lead acetate has been used to detect poisonous gas H2S by reacting with hydrogen sulfide gas to form lead sulfide when moist. Additionally, it has been utilized for cleaning and maintaining stainless steel suppressors and compensators.