Plumbite

In chemistry, plumbite is the PbO2−2 oxyanion or hydrated forms, or any salt containing this anion. In these salts, lead is in the oxidation state +2. It is the traditional term for the IUPAC name plumbate(II).

For example, lead(II) oxide (PbO) dissolves in alkali to form salts containing the HPbO−2 anion (hydrogen plumbite):[1]

PbO + OH− → HPbO−2

Lead(II) hydroxide also dissolves in excess alkali to form the [Pb(OH)6]4− anion (hexahydroxyplumbate(II)):[2]

Pb(OH)2 + 4 OH− → [Pb(OH)6]4−

The plumbite ion is a weak reducing agent. When it functions as one, it is oxidized to the plumbate ion.

  1. ^ Amit Arora (2005). Text Book Of Inorganic Chemistry. Discovery Publishing House. pp. 450–452. ISBN 81-8356-013-X.
  2. ^ E. N. Ramsden (2000). A-level chemistry. A-Level Chemistry Series (4th ed.). Nelson Thornes. p. 434. ISBN 0-7487-5299-4.