Lead stearate

Description

A white powder that is used as a Drier in oil paints and varnishes to speed the polymerization and oxidation processes. Lead stearate is also used as a lubricant during extrusion, as a stabilizer in vinyl polymers and as a corrosion inhibitor in petroleum products.

Synonyms and Related Terms

stearic acid lead salt

Other Properties

Soluble in hot ethanol. Insoluble in water.

Composition	Pb(C18H35O2)2
CAS	1072-35-1
Melting Point	~125
Density	1.4

Hazards and Safety

Toxic by inhalation or ingestion. Absorbed by the skin. Skin contact may cause irritation or ulcers. Carcinogen, teratogen, suspected mutagen.

Authority

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry # 5442