Lead sulfide
Description
Lead sulfide is found naturally occurring as metallic crystals called galena. Galena is the primary source for metallic lead. When crushed, lead sulfide is a black powder. Lead sulfide can also be made synthetically by reacting a soluble lead salt with hydrogen sulfide or sodium sulfide. Lead sulfide is used in ceramic glaze and as a source for the production of lead sulfate. It is also used as a sensor in infrared detectors.
Synonyms and Related Terms
galena; plumbus sulfide; leaded bisilicate ash; lead sulphide (Br.); sulfure de plomb (Fr.)
Other Properties
Soluble in nitric acid and hot, dilute hydrochloric acid. Insoluble in water.
| Composition | PbS |
|---|---|
| CAS | 1314-87-0 |
| Melting Point | 1114 |
| Density | 7.13-7.7 |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 239.28 |
Hazards and Safety
Toxic by inhalation or ingestion. Skin contact may cause irritation or ulcers. Carcinogen, teratogen, suspected mutagen.
Fisher Scientific: MSDS
Authority
- G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 443
- Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993 Comment: mp=1114C
- The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 5445
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, at http://www.wikipedia.com Comment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_sulfide (Accessed Feb. 2, 2006) - mp=1390K
- Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985
- Michael McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York City, 1979