Lead peroxide is also commonly known as lead dioxide (PbO₂). This inorganic compound is a dark-brown solid that serves as a powerful oxidizing agent.
Other Common Names for Lead Peroxide
Beyond lead dioxide, lead peroxide is recognized by several other chemical names, each offering a specific insight into its composition or historical context. These names include:
- Lead(IV) oxide: This is the systematic IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) name, which clearly indicates that lead is in its +4 oxidation state.
- Plumbic oxide: An older, less common name derived from "plumbum," the Latin word for lead. The "ic" suffix denotes the higher oxidation state of lead compared to "plumbous" compounds (e.g., PbO).
- Anhydrous plumbic acid: This name suggests its acidic properties in the absence of water, relating to hypothetical plumbic acid.
All these names refer to the same chemical compound, which has the formula PbO₂.
Understanding the Nomenclature
The various names for lead peroxide arise from different naming conventions in chemistry:
- "Lead dioxide" simply describes the ratio of lead to oxygen atoms (one lead atom for every two oxygen atoms).
- "Lead(IV) oxide" provides more precise information by specifying the oxidation state of the lead atom, adhering to modern chemical nomenclature standards.
- "Plumbic oxide" is a historical or common name that uses the Latin root for lead.
- "Anhydrous plumbic acid" highlights its potential to act as an acid, particularly when considering its reactions or when it's viewed as the anhydride of a plumbic acid.
Summary of Names for PbO₂
The table below summarizes the various monikers for this important lead compound:
| Name | Chemical Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lead peroxide | PbO₂ | A common and widely recognized name |
| Lead dioxide | PbO₂ | The most frequently used alternative name |
| Lead(IV) oxide | PbO₂ | The systematic IUPAC name, indicating lead's +4 oxidation state |
| Plumbic oxide | PbO₂ | An older, less common name using the Latin root for lead |
| Anhydrous plumbic acid | PbO₂ | Refers to its acidic behavior in certain contexts, without water |
Applications of Lead Peroxide (Lead Dioxide)
Lead dioxide (PbO₂) is a versatile compound known for its strong oxidizing capabilities. One of its most significant applications is in lead-acid batteries, where it serves as the active material on the positive electrode. It is crucial for the electrochemical reactions that store and release electrical energy in these rechargeable batteries, which are widely used in vehicles and uninterruptible power supplies. More information about lead dioxide can be found on resources like PubChem.
