Lead(II) ion

The Pb²⁺ cation formed when a lead atom loses two electrons. Its +2 oxidation state is common in lead compounds and reflects the inert-pair effect.

Lead: A dense, soft, bluish-gray chemical element with atomic number 82. Removing two electrons from a neutral lead atom produces Pb²⁺.
Cation: A positively charged ion formed when an atom or molecule loses electrons. Lead(II) ion is a metal cation with a charge of +2.
Lead poisoning: Illness caused by exposure to lead, which can damage the nervous system and other organs. Dissolved lead compounds can release Pb²⁺ that enters the body.
Lead(II) oxide: A lead oxide with formula PbO in which lead has the +2 oxidation state. It is a solid compound containing lead(II), not an isolated aqueous Pb²⁺ ion.
Electron configuration: The arrangement of electrons among an atom’s or ion’s energy levels and orbitals. Lead’s electron configuration helps explain why losing two electrons is especially favorable.
Lead(IV) ion: The formal Pb⁴⁺ cation associated with lead in the +4 oxidation state. It contrasts lead’s less common +4 state with the Pb²⁺ state.
Lead(II) nitrate: A water-soluble lead salt with formula Pb(NO₃)₂. It supplies Pb²⁺ ions in solution and is used in laboratory reactions.
Lead(II) acetate: A lead(II) salt of acetic acid, commonly written Pb(CH₃COO)₂. Its lead is in the +2 state, but acetate ligands define a distinct compound.
Inert-pair effect: The tendency of heavy p-block elements to retain their outermost s electrons in compounds. It helps stabilize lead’s +2 state relative to its +4 state.
Chemical formula: A symbolic representation of the elements and proportions in a substance. The notation Pb²⁺ encodes lead’s identity and its two-unit positive charge.

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