Lead(II) hydroxide

Careful hydrolysis of lead(II) acetate solution yields a crystalline product with a formula 6PbO·2H2O or Pb6O4(OH)4.

[4] This material is a cluster compound, consisting of an octahedron of Pb centers, each face of which is capped by an oxide or a hydroxide.

The structure is reminiscent of the Mo6S8 subunit of the Chevrel phases.

[5] The following formula can also prepare it: Pb(NO₃)₂ + NaOH = NaNO₃ + Pb(OH)₂ In aqueous solution, lead(II) hydroxide is a somewhat weak base, forming lead(II) ion, Pb2+, under weakly acidic conditions.

The name lead hydrate has sometimes been used in the past but it is unclear whether this refers to Pb(OH)2 or PbO·xH2O.

NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroform Flammability 0: Will not burn. E.g. water Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazards (white): no code