Question

Red lead is:
A. $PbO$
B. $Pb{O}_{2}$
C. ${Pb}_{3}{O}_{4}$
D. ${Pb}_{2}{O}_{4}$

Answer 1

Hint: Red lead is a bright red, or an orange solid. It is a compound of lead and oxygen. It is used as a pigment for primer paints for objects that are made up of iron.

Complete step by step solution:
- Lead(II, IV) oxide is an organic compound which is also known as red lead or can also be called minimum.
- The chemical name of this compound is lead tetroxide.
- The chemical formula of this compound is ${Pb}_{3}{O}_{4}$.

Hence, the correct option is option (C).

Additional Information:
- Lead(II, IV) is a mixed valence compound which has both Pb(II) and Pb(IV). The Pb(II) and Pb(IV) in red lead are present in the ratio of two to one.
- Red lead is used in the manufacture of batteries and rust proof primer paints. It is also used as a pigment in the primer paints.
- Red lead is also used as a litharge in storage batteries. It also finds its application in glasses, glazes, and vitreous enamels.
- It is used as a curing agent in some polychloroprene rubber compounds.
- It provides better water resistance properties when used in place of magnesium oxide.
- Red lead is also used as an adulterant in turmeric powder.
- Red lead can be produced by heating litharge $(PbO)$ at a controlled temperature. This temperature is lower than that which is used for the manufacture of litharge.

Note: Red lead also has some harmful effects. When it is inhaled, it can cause irritation in lungs and a high dose of red lead can cause chest pain and abdominal pain. High concentration can be absorbed by the skin, so it is important to follow safety measures while working with red lead based paints.