Lead Oxalate, PbC₂O₄

Lead Oxalate, PbC₂O₄, is obtained as a white precipitate when lead salt and oxalate solutions are mixed. When heated to 300° C. out of contact with air it decomposes according to the equation:

2PbC₂O₄ = Pb₂O + 3CO₂ + CO.

Its solubility in water, determined by the conductivity method, is 0.61×10^-5 gram-molecule per litre at 19.95° C. or 0.54×10^-5 gram-molecule per litre at 18° C.; whilst, according to Bottger and Pollatz, the solubility at 25° C. is 0.0025 gram per litre by direct weighing, and 0.0018 gram per litre, estimated by means of conductivity.

The basic salt 3PbC₂O₄.7PbO.H₂O (?) is formed by the interaction of lead hydroxide and a soluble oxalate, or by the action of caustic soda on the normal oxalate.

The preparation of PbC₂O₄.2PbO has also been recorded. The complex salt 2PbC₂O₄.2K₂C₂O₄.5H₂O is formed by acting on lead oxalate with potassium oxalate solution.