Lead Formate, Pb(CHO₂)₂

Lead Formate, Pb(CHO₂)₂ or Pb(OOCH)₂, is prepared by dissolving lead carbonate in formic acid solution, and readily crystallises in rhombic prisms from the hot liquid. Anhydrous formic acid is obtained from the crystals by decomposing them with hydrogen sulphide gas. When the dry salt is heated to 190° C. it decomposes thus:

Pb(CHO₂)₂ = Pb + 2CO₂ + H₂.

Lead formate shows considerable tendency to be hydrolysed in solution, and the following basic salts are formed by causing lead oxide to react with solutions of the normal formate under different conditions: Pb(CHO₂)₂.PbO; Pb(CHO₂)₂.2PbO; Pb(CHO₂)₂.3PbO.