Lead & compounds: Overview
Description
Lead is used in the production of batteries, ammunition, metal products (solder, pipes, fishing weights, electronics and alloys with other metals) and devices to shield X-rays. Tetraethyl lead is used to make other lead compounds (tetra-alkyl lead) and was used in leaded fuels. Lead compounds are used in the manufacturing of electronic parts, plastics, rubbers and metals. Lead is used in pigments, dyes, paints and coatings. Lead compounds are used in the manufacture of matches, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, pottery glazes, ceramics, brake shoes, flame retardants for plastics and as catalysts for industrial production and epoxy curing agents.
Substance details
Substance name: Lead
CASR number: 7439-72-1
Molecular formula: Pb
Physical properties
Lead: a soft bluish-white silvery grey metallic solid. It tarnishes on exposure to air. It is very soft and malleable, easily melted, cast, rolled and extruded.
Melting point: 327.43°C
Boiling point: 1740°C
Density: 11.34
Chemical properties
Lead can be attacked by pure water and weak organic acids in the presence of oxygen. It is resistant to tap water, hydrofluoric acid, brine and solvents. Lead reacts with hot nitric acid, boiling sulfuric or hydrochloric acids.
Lead compounds: the physical and chemical properties of lead compounds are varied. Specific properties may be found in the references listed at the end of this fact sheet.
Further information
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of lead and compounds emissions in Australia.
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