Definition

Noun: - A poisonous white solid (Pb[CH3CO]2): A toxic, crystalline chemical compound historically used in various industrial processes, notably in dyeing textiles and in the manufacture of enamels and varnishes. Its systematic name is lead(II) acetate.

Usage

• This term is a historical and industrial name for a specific chemical compound. It is used in technical, historical, or safety contexts to refer to this substance.
• Example: "The old recipe for the varnish called for sugar of lead, a practice now known to be highly dangerous due to lead poisoning."
• Example: "In the 18th century, sugar of lead was a common mordant in the cotton dyeing industry."

Advanced Usage

• The name "sugar of lead" originates from the compound's sweet taste, which tragically contributed to its historical misuse and accidental poisonings. It is a classic example of a toxic substance with a deceptively pleasant property.
• Example: "The sweet taste of sugar of lead led to its occasional use as an adulterant in wine, with fatal consequences."

Variants and Related Words

• Lead acetate: The modern, more common chemical name for the same compound.
• Lead(II) acetate: The precise IUPAC (systematic) name.
• Plumbous acetate: An older synonym.

Synonyms

• Lead acetate
• Lead diacetate

Important Note

• Sugar of lead is highly toxic and its use is heavily restricted in modern times. This entry is for historical and lexical understanding only. The compound is a potent neurotoxin and exposure must be avoided.

Noun

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