Lead stearate explained

Lead stearate is a metal-organic compound, a salt of lead and stearic acid with the chemical formula .^[1] The compound is classified as a metallic soap, i.e. a metal derivative of a fatty acid.^[2] The compound is toxic.

Synthesis

The compound can be prepared by reacting stearic acid, lead(II) oxide, and a catalyst acetic acid.^[3]

2 C₁₇H₃₅COOH+PbO\longrightarrow(C₁₇H₃₅COO)₂Pb+ H_2O

Also, an exchange reaction between lead(II) acetate and sodium stearate:

Pb(CH_3COO)₂+2NaC₁₈H₃₅O₂ \xrightarrow{ Pb(C
	18

H₃₅O₂₎_2\downarrow+2CH_3COONa}

Physical properties

White powder with a slight fatty odor. Sinks in water.^[4] Hygroscopic in air.

Slightly soluble in water.^[1] Soluble in hot ethanol.

Uses

The compound is used as a drier in oil paints and varnishes to speed the polymerization and oxidation processes. Also used as a lubricant and stabilizer in vinyl polymers and as a corrosion inhibitor in petroleum products.^[5] ^[6] ^[7]

Notes and References

Web site: Lead Stearate . . 7 March 2023.
Web site: T3DB: Lead stearate . t3db.ca . 7 March 2023.
Web site: Preparation process of lead stearate based on melting method . 7 March 2023 . 18 December 2013.
Web site: LEAD STEARATE CAMEO Chemicals NOAA . cameochemicals.noaa.gov . 7 March 2023.
Web site: Lead Stearate » Waldies Co. Ltd. . Waldies Co. Ltd. . 7 March 2023.
Book: Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology: Fuel resources to heat stabilizers . 1991 . Wiley . 978-0-471-52669-8 . 1074 . 7 March 2023 . en.
Book: Titow . M. V. . PVC Technology . 6 December 2012 . Springer Science & Business Media . 978-94-009-5614-8 . 269 . 7 March 2023 . en.