Lead(II) phosphate is an

ionic compound In chemistry, a salt or ionic compound is a chemical compound consisting of an assembly of positively charged ions (Cation, cations) and negatively charged ions (Anion, anions), which results in a compound with no net electric charge (electrica ...

with chemical formula Pb₃( P O₄)₂. Lead(II) phosphate is a long-lived electronically neutral reagent chemical. Despite limited tests on humans, it has been identified as a

carcinogen A carcinogen () is any agent that promotes the development of cancer. Carcinogens can include synthetic chemicals, naturally occurring substances, physical agents such as ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and biologic agents such as viruse ...

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 Nitric acid is an inorganic compound with the formula . It is a highly corrosive mineral acid. The compound is colorless, but samples tend to acquire a yellow cast over time due to decomposition into nitrogen oxide, oxides of nitrogen. Most com ...

(HNO₃) and fused alkali metal hydroxides. When lead(II) phosphate is heated for decomposition it emits very toxic fumes containing

Lead Lead () is a chemical element; it has Chemical symbol, symbol Pb (from Latin ) and atomic number 82. It is a Heavy metal (elements), heavy metal that is density, denser than most common materials. Lead is Mohs scale, soft and Ductility, malleabl ...

(Pb) and PO_x.Lewis, Richard J., Lewis, Richard J. Sr., (2008). Hazardous chemicals desk reference (sixth ed.) pg 831. Hoboken (NJ): John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Preparation

It is prepared by reacting lead(II) hydroxide with orthophosphoric acid. :

References

Lead(II) compounds Phosphates {{inorganic-compound-stub