Skip to main content

Tetraethyllead

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C8H20Pb
CAS number
78-00-2
IUPAC name
tetraethylplumbane
State
State

At room temperature, tetraethyllead is a liquid. It is highly volatile and mixes well with nonpolar solvents, such as gasoline.

Melting point (Celsius)
-137.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
136.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
200.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
473.15
General information
Molecular weight
323.44g/mol
Molar mass
323.4440g/mol
Density
1.6537g/cm3
Appearence

Tetraethyllead is a colorless, oily liquid with a slightly sweet odor. It is often found as a mixture in gasoline, which sometimes imparts a bluish tint.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Tetraethylplumbane

Tetraethylplumbane, with the chemical formula Pb(C2H5)4, is a fascinating organometallic compound derived from lead (Pb). Understanding its solubility is crucial for various applications, especially in organo-lead chemistry.

When discussing its solubility, here are some key points to consider:

  • Solvent Polarity: Tetraethylplumbane is typically insoluble in polar solvents, such as water, due to the non-polar, hydrophobic nature of the ethyl groups attached to the lead atom.
  • Non-polar Solvents: It demonstrates some solubility in non-polar organic solvents like hexane and benzene, emphasizing the principle of "like dissolves like."
  • Temperature Effects: The solubility can also be influenced by temperature; higher temperatures can enhance the interaction between the solute and solvent in non-polar environments.

In summary, the solubility of tetraethylplumbane is largely confined to non-polar solvents, making it less versatile in polar environments. This characteristic is essential for chemists to consider during reactions and applications involving this compound.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Tetraethylplumbane

Tetraethylplumbane, often referred to as TEL, is a fascinating organolead compound with a rich history and a significant impact on various industries. Here are some intriguing aspects of Tetraethylplumbane:

  • Historical Significance: TEL was widely used as an additive in gasoline during the 20th century to improve engine performance and reduce knocking. Its application revolutionized the automotive industry.
  • Toxicity and Environmental Impact: While TEL was effective, its lead content raised substantial concerns. The use of tetraethylplumbane led to soil and air contamination, triggering regulations and a shift to unleaded fuels.
  • Chemical Characteristics: As an organolead compound, tetraethylplumbane exhibits unique properties. It is a colorless liquid, known for its low volatility compared to other lead alkyls.
  • Preparation: There are multiple synthetic pathways to produce TEL, often involving the reaction of lead(IV) chloride with ethyl bromide or ethyl iodide in the presence of an alkali.
  • Stability: While it has useful properties, TEL is relatively unstable when exposed to air and moisture, which can result in hazardous degradation products.

In summary, tetraethylplumbane is not just a compound; it embodies the intersection of chemistry and environmental awareness. The legacy of TEL serves as a critical lesson in the importance of considering both the utility and the ecological footprint of chemical compounds in industry.

Synonyms
Tetraethyllead
Plumbane, tetraethyl-
Tetraethylplumbane
TETRAETHYL LEAD
78-00-2
Lead tetraethyl
Tetra(methylethyl)lead
Czteroetylek olowiu
Lead, tetraethyl-
Tetraethylolovo
Lead tetraethide
NCI-C54988
Piombo tetra-etile
RCRA waste number P110
Tetraethylolovo [Czech]
Tel-tml, reacted
Czteroetylek olowiu [Polish]
Piombo tetra-etile [Italian]
NSC 22314
Bleitetraethyl
CCRIS 1565
HSDB 841
Tetraethyl lead, liquid
EINECS 201-075-4
PbEt4
BRN 3903146
13426ZWT6A
[PbEt4]
NSC-22314
TETRAETHYLLEAD [MI]
TETRAETHYL LEAD [HSDB]
DTXSID7023801
CHEBI:30182
EC 201-075-4
4-04-00-04349 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
TEL
Tetraethylolovo (Czech)
(PbEt4)
Piombo tetra-etile (Italian)
TETRAETHYL LEAD, (LIQUID)
TETRAETHYL LEAD, [LIQUID]
Tetraethylblei
CZTEROETYLEK OLOWIU (POLISH)
Tetra-ethyl lead
Lead, Tetraethyl
Tetraethyllead, liquid
NA1649
RCRA waste no. P110
Ethylplumbane
Ethyl plumbane
Lead tetraethy
UNII-13426ZWT6A
Lead alkyl
MOTOR FUEL ANTIKNOCK COMPOUNDS (CONTAIN LEAD) (TETRAETHYL LEAD)
MOTOR FUEL ANTIKNOCK COMPOUNDS (CONTAIN LEAD) {TETRAETHYL LEAD}
Tetraethylplumbium
MFCD00072541
Bleitetraethyl (German)
Tetraethylblei (German)
PLUMBANE, TETRAETHYL
, TEL
NA 1649 (Salt/Mix)
UN 1649 (Salt/Mix)
(C2H5)4Pb
Tetraethyllead, >=99.99%
DTXCID303801
Tetraethyl lead (ACGIH:OSHA)
MRMOZBOQVYRSEM-UHFFFAOYSA-
NSC22314
WLN: 2-PB-2&2&2
Tetraethyl lead, liquid [NA1649] [Poison]
Q266210
InChI=1/4C2H5.Pb/c4*1-2;/h4*1H2,2H3;
201-075-4