Question

State what you would observe when: Red lead is heated.

Answer 1

• This is a thermal decomposition reaction.
• Red lead, ${\mathrm{Pb}}_3{\mathrm{O}}_4$​ is an orange-red amorphous powder.
• When red lead is heated, a dark crimson amorphous powder turns yellow, Lead oxide, and oxygen gas.
• On further heating, it fuses with the test tube, giving the glass a reddish color.
• ${\mathrm{O}}_2$ gas is evolved which is colorless, odorless, and rekindles a burning splinter.
• $2{\mathrm{Pb}}_3{\mathrm{O}}_4\left(\mathrm{s}\right)\to \underset{\mathrm{Lead}\mathrm{oxide}\left(\mathrm{yellow}\right)}{6\mathrm{PbO}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}+{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)$