Definition

Noun: 1. A chemical compound: A poisonous, white, crystalline solid with the chemical formula Pb(CH₃COO)₂, formed from lead and acetic acid. 2. An industrial substance: Used historically and in specific industrial processes, primarily in dyeing textiles (as a mordant), and in the manufacture of certain paints, varnishes, and enamels.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In the 19th century, lead acetate was commonly used as a sugar substitute, with disastrous health consequences.
  • The laboratory technician handled the lead acetate with extreme care due to its high toxicity.
  • This old recipe for a ceramic glaze calls for lead acetate, but modern, safer alternatives are now used.

Advanced Usage

• "Sugar of lead": This is a historical and common name for lead acetate, referring to its sweet taste, which tragically contributed to its use as an adulterant in foods and wines.
  • The term "sugar of lead" is a dangerous misnomer, as the compound is highly poisonous.

Variants and Related Words

• Plumbous acetate: Another technical name for the same compound, using the older term "plumbous" for lead(II).
• Lead(II) acetate: The systematic IUPAC name, specifying the oxidation state of the lead ion.

Synonyms

• Chemical synonym: Plumbous acetate, lead(II) acetate, sugar of lead.

Important Notes

• Toxicity Warning: Lead acetate is a potent neurotoxin and cumulative poison. Its use is heavily restricted in consumer products today. This entry is for lexical and historical understanding only. It should not be handled without proper training, equipment, and regulatory approval.

Noun

1. a poisonous white solid (Pb[CH3CO]2) used in dyeing cotton and in making enamels and varnishes