Substance profile
Lead
Lead: soft silver-bluish white to gray metal.
01 · Identification
What Lead is
Lead: soft silver-bluish white to gray metal. Its molecular formula is Pb and its molecular weight is 207 g/mol. It boils at 1740 °C, melts at 327 °C, is practically insoluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Lead
- lead metal
- C.I. 77575
- C.I. Pigment Metal 4
- Ks-4
- Lead Element
- Lead Flake
- Lead S 2
- Lead Sz
- Pb-S 100
- Plumbum
- Sso 1
- lead powder
- [particle diameter < 1 mm]
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Lead properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 1740 °C (3164 °F) | NIOSH | |
| 1740 °C (3164 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 327.22 °C (621 °F) | NIOSH | |
| 327.5 °C (621.5 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 11.34 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| Solubility | Insoluble | NIOSH | |
| Insoluble (NTP, 1992) | CAMEO | ||
| Solubility in water, g/l: (practically insoluble) | ICSC | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0 mmHg | approx | NIOSH |
| 1.77 mmHg | CAMEO | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Solid in bulk form. | NIOSH |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Lead
Incompatible materials
Strong oxidizers, hydrogen peroxide, acids
Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Reactivity
In the presence of carbon, the combination of chlorine trifluoride with aluminum, copper, lead, magnesium, silver, tin, or zinc results in a violent reaction [Mellor 2, Supp. 1: 1956]. A solution of sodium azide in copper pipe with lead joints formed copper and lead azide, both are detonating compounds [Klotz 1973]. Sodium acetylide becomes pyrophoric when mixed with metals like lead. Mixtures of trioxane with 60% hydrogen peroxide in contact with metallic lead when heated detonated. Lead containing rubber ignited in a nitric acid atmosphere. Lead is incompatible with strong oxidants such as: ammonium nitrate, chlorine trifluoride, hydrogen peroxide, etc.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Lead in the storage compatibility matrix →
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