Lead(II) laurate is an metal-organic compound with the chemical formula Pb(O2C(CH2)10CH3)2. It is classified as a metallic soap, i.e. a metal derivative of a fatty acid. Like most soaps, it does not dissolve in water.[2][3] Lead soaps have been used as stabilizers and plasticizers in PVC.[4]
Preparation
Lead soaps are usually prepared by combining lead(II) oxide with molten fatty acid. An idealized equation is:
PbO + RCO2H → Pb(O2CR)2 + H2O
In reality, lead soaps have complex formulas.
References
^Substances, United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Toxic (May 1979). Toxic Substances Control Act. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. Volume III, p. 861. Retrieved 23 January 2023.