Question

Red lead is:

• A. PbO
• B. PbO\(_2\)
• C. Pb\(_3\)O\(_4\)
• D. Pb\(_2\)O\(_4\)

Hint:

Red lead is a mixed oxide of lead with the formula Pb\(_3\)O\(_4\), often used as an anti-corrosive pigment and in battery electrodes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Red lead is a well-known compound of lead, chemically represented as Pb\(_3\)O\(_4\).
It is also known as trilead tetraoxide or minium, and appears as a bright red or orange-red powder.
Structure and Composition:
Pb\(_3\)O\(_4\) is a mixed oxide containing both Pb(II) and Pb(IV) oxidation states.
It can be seen as a combination of 2 moles of PbO (lead(II) oxide) and 1 mole of PbO\(_2\) (lead(IV) oxide): \[ \text{Pb}_3\text{O}_4 \rightarrow 2\text{PbO} + \text{PbO}_2 \] Applications:
Red lead is used in rust-proof primer paints for iron and steel.
It is also used in the manufacture of storage batteries and glass. Hence, the correct answer is Pb\(_3\)O\(_4\).