Lead(II) iodide

Description

Lead Iodide is a heavy, bright-yellow, odorlesspowder. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 MRating System): Health 2, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0.Soluble in water.

Chemical properties

Lead iodide is a heavy, bright-yellow, odorless powder.

Physical properties

Yellow hexagonal crystals; density 6.16 g/cm³; melts at 402°C; vaporizes at 954°C; decomposes at 180°C when exposed to green light; slightly soluble in water (0.44 g/L at 0°C and 0.63 g/L at 20°C); Ksp 8.49x10^-9 at 25°C; partially soluble in boiling water (4.1 g/L at 100°C); insoluble in ethanol; soluble in alkalis and alkali metal iodide solutions.

The Uses of Lead(II) iodide

Lead(II) iodide is used as a detector material for high energy photons including x-rays and gamma rays. It is used in photography, printing, mosaic gold, and bronzing. It exhibits ferroelastic properties and has efficiency in stopping X-ray and gamma ray, which provides excellent environmental stability.

The Uses of Lead(II) iodide

Used in bronzing, printing, photography, gold pencils, and mosaic gold.

Preparation

Lead diiodide is prepared by mixing aqueous solutions of lead nitrate or lead acetate with an aqueous solution of potassium or sodium iodide or hydriodic acid, followed by crystallization. The product is purified by recrystallization.
Pb₂+(aq) + 2Iˉ (aq) → PbI₂(s).

General Description

Lead iodide appears as a yellow crystalline solid. Insoluble in water and denser than water. Primary hazard is threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the environment. Used in printing and photography, to seed clouds and other uses.

Air & Water Reactions

Slightly water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Lead(II) iodide has weak oxidizing or reducing powers. Redox reactions can however still occur. The majority of compounds in this class are slightly soluble or insoluble in water. If soluble in water, then the solutions are usually neither strongly acidic nor strongly basic. These compounds are not water-reactive. Light sensitive

Hazard

Lead diiodide is toxic if ingested. The symptoms are those of lead poisoning.

Health Hazard

Early symptoms of lead intoxication via inhalation or ingestion are most commonly gastrointestinal disorders, colic, constipation, etc.; weakness, which may go on to paralysis, chiefly of the extensor muscles of the wrists and less often the ankles, is noticeable in the most serious cases. Ingestion of a large amount causes local irritation of the alimentary tract. Pain, leg cramps, muscle weakness, paresthesias, depression, coma, and death may follow in 1 or 2 days. Contact with eyes causes irritation.

Potential Exposure

Lead iodide is used in bronzing, gold pencils; mosaic gold; printing, and photography

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.Antidotes and special procedures for lead: Persons with significant lead poisoning are sometimes treated with CaEDTA while hospitalized. This “chelating” drug causes arush of lead from the body organs into the blood and kidneys, and thus has its own hazards, and must be administered only by highly experienced medical personnel undercontrolled conditions and careful observation. Ca EDTA orsimilar drugs should never be used to prevent poisoningwhile exposure continues or without strict exposure control,as severe kidney damage can result.Note to physician: For severe poisoning BAL [British AntiLewisite, dimercaprol, dithiopropanol (C3H8OS2)] has beenused to treat toxic symptoms of certain heavy metals poisoning. In the case of lead poisoning it may have SOMEvalue. Although BAL is reported to have a large margin ofsafety, caution must be exercised, because toxic effects maybe caused by excessive dosage. Most can be prevented bypremedication with 1-ephedrine sulfate (CAS: 134-72-5).

storage

Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Lead iodide must be stored to avoid contact withoxidizers (such as perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates,chlorates, and nitrates) and chemically active metals (suchas potassium, sodium, magnesium, and zinc), since violentreactions occur. A regulated, marked area should be established where this chemical is handled, used, or stored incompliance with OSHA Standard 1910.1045. Lead iodide isregulated by an OSHA Standard, 1910.1025. All requirements of the standard must be followed.

Shipping

UN3288 Toxic solids, inorganic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required. UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material, Technical Name Required

Purification Methods

It crystallises from a large volume of water. The solubility in H2O is 1.1% at ~10o, and 3.3% at ~ 100o.

Incompatibilities

Lead iodide has weak oxidizing or reducing powers. Redox reactions can however still occur. The majority of compounds in this class are slightly soluble or insoluble in water. If soluble in water, then the solutions are usually neither strongly acidic nor strongly basic. These compounds are not water-reactive. Light sensitive Contact with oxidizers or active metals may cause violent reaction