Lead monoxide

Lead monoxide (CAS 1317-36-8), known as litharge or massicot depending on its crystalline form, is an inorganic lead compound used as a reactive oxide in industrial processing.

Where is Lead monoxide used?

• Rubber and tire production: vulcanization activator and accelerator co-agent, improving cross-link density and heat resistance in specialty compounds
• Metallurgical processing: flux in lead refining and smelting operations
• In smelting it facilitates the separation of impurities from base metal melts.
• Glass manufacturing: precursor in lead-based glass formulations, contributing to refractive index and density in optical and crystal glass
• Mining and metals processing: intermediate in the recovery and refining of lead from ore concentrates

Good to know: Both litharge (alpha-PbO) and massicot (beta-PbO) polymorphic forms are available, with litharge being the predominant commercial form.

Commercial specifications

• Particle size and purity specifications vary by end-use requirement
• Technical and industrial purity levels, typically at 99% minimum lead oxide content