Lead oxide

Lead oxides are a group of inorganic compounds with formulas including lead (Pb) and oxygen (O).

Common lead oxides include:

• Lead(II) oxide, PbO, litharge (red), massicot (yellow)
• Lead tetroxide or red lead, Pb₃O₄, minium, which is a lead (II,IV) oxide and may be thought of as lead(II) orthoplumbate(IV) [Pb²⁺]₂[PbO4−4], vivid orange crystals
• Lead dioxide (lead(IV) oxide), PbO₂, dark-brown or black powder

Less common lead oxides are:

• Lead sesquioxide, Pb₂O₃, which is a lead (II,IV) oxide as well (lead(II) metaplumbate(IV) [Pb²⁺][PbO2−3]), reddish yellow
• Pb₁₂O₁₉, monoclinic, dark-brown or black crystals
• The so-called black lead oxide, which is a mixture of PbO and fine-powdered Pb metal and used in the production of lead–acid batteries.