The element phosphorus realizes binary compounds with almost every other metal of the periodic table (exceptions are mercury, antimony and bismuth). For decades it was a major challenge to form the first binary lead phosphide. Phosphorus-pnictide materials are promising for a variety of applications, from catalysts to wide gap semiconductors.
The structure of lead phosphide has been characterized at the atomic level. It consists of strongly corrugated layers of the two crystallographically independent Pn sites. Each Pn site is occupied by P and cis or trans arsenic atoms in various ratios. The bridging P-atoms connect the adjacent polypnictide substructures.
In the crystalline state, the atomic layer arrangement is a
A solution of lead phosphate dibasic is moderately soluble in water and reacts as a base to neutralize acids. The resulting products contain moderate concentrations of hydroxide ions and have pH’s greater than 7.0. They are also relatively insoluble in alcohols.
/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Long-term or high exposure to lead phosphide can cause permanent kidney damage. It can also lower the number of red blood cells in the body causing anemia. Exposure to lead phosphide at very high levels may cause damage to the nervous system and the reproductive organs. It has been identified as a human carcinogen by IARC. /LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ Animal studies have shown that high doses of lead phosphide can cause renal tumors, either adenomas or carcinomas.