Lead(II) phosphate is an ionic compound with chemical formula Pb3(PO4)2. Lead(II) phosphate is a long-lived electronically neutral reagent chemical. Despite limited tests on humans, it has been identified as a carcinogen based on tests on animals conducted by the EPA. Lead(II) phosphate appears as hexagonal, colorless crystals or as a white powder. Lead(II) phosphate is insoluble in water and alcohol but soluble in nitric acid (HNO3) and fused alkali metal hydroxides. When lead(II) phosphate is heated for decomposition it emits very toxic fumes containing Lead (Pb) and POx.
Preparation
It is prepared by reacting lead(II) hydroxide with orthophosphoric acid.
- 3Pb(OH)2 2H3PO4 → Pb3(PO4)2 6H2O
References
