Lead(II,IV) oxide

Lead(II,IV) oxide, Pb₃O₄, is a mixed-valence lead oxide containing lead in the +2 and +4 oxidation states. It is also known as red lead or minium.

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Lead: Lead is a dense, soft, bluish-gray metallic element with atomic number 82. The element forms both oxidation states present in Pb₃O₄.
Thermal decomposition: Thermal decomposition is the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances caused by heating. Strong heating breaks Pb₃O₄ down into lead(II) oxide and oxygen.
Anticorrosive paint: Anticorrosive paint is a coating formulated to slow corrosion of a metal surface. Red lead was widely used as a protective pigment in metal primers.
Minium: Minium is the mineral and historical pigment form of lead tetroxide, Pb₃O₄. It is the traditional name for this compound as a pigment and mineral.
Oxidation state: An oxidation state is a formal charge assigned to an atom in a compound using a set of electron-bookkeeping rules. The +2 and +4 assignments distinguish the two lead environments in this oxide.
Redox reaction: A redox reaction transfers electrons as oxidation states change between reactants and products. Reactions of Pb₃O₄ often alter lead’s oxidation state.
Paint: Paint is a liquid or paste coating that dries into a protective or decorative film. Red lead’s best-known applications have been as a paint pigment.
Lead minerals: Lead minerals are naturally occurring minerals containing lead as a major constituent. Minium occurs naturally as a rare lead mineral.
Lead(II) oxide: Lead(II) oxide, PbO, is a lead oxide in which lead has oxidation state +2. It contains only the lower lead oxidation state found in Pb₃O₄.
Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, toxic gas with formula CO that acts as a reducing agent in many reactions. It can reduce red lead to metallic lead while being oxidized to carbon dioxide.