Lead(II) Chloride - Uses

Uses

• Molten PbCl₂ is used in the synthesis of lead titanate (PbTiO₃) and barium lead titanate ceramics by cation replacement reactions:

xPbCl_2(l) + BaTiO_3(s) → Ba_1-xPb_xTiO₃ + xBaCl₂

• PbCl₂ is used in production of infrared transmitting glass, and ornamental glass called aurene glass. Aurene glass has an iridescent surface formed by spraying with PbCl₂ and reheating under controlled conditions. Stannous chloride (SnCl₂) is used for the same purpose.
• Pb is used in HCl service even though the PbCl₂ formed is slightly soluble in HCl. Addition of 6–25% of antimony (Sb) increases corrosion resistance.
• A basic chloride of lead, PbCl₂·Pb(OH)₂, is known as Pattinson's white lead and is used as pigment in white paint.
• PbCl₂ is an intermediate in refining bismuth (Bi) ore. The ore containing Bi, Pb, and Zn is first treated with molten caustic soda to remove traces of acidic elements such as arsenic and tellurium. This is followed by the Parkes desilverization process to remove any silver and gold present. The ore now contains Bi, Pb, and Zn. It is treated with Cl₂ gas at 500 °C. ZnCl₂ forms first and is removed. Then PbCl₂ forms and is removed leaving pure Bi. BiCl₃ would form last.