Skip to main content

Tetramethyllead

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C4H12Pb
CAS number
75-74-1
IUPAC name
tetramethylplumbane
State
State

At room temperature, tetramethyllead is a liquid. Its volatility makes it an easily vaporizing substance, and it should be handled in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation or accidental contact, bearing in mind its toxic nature.

Melting point (Celsius)
-27.50
Melting point (Kelvin)
245.65
Boiling point (Celsius)
110.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
383.15
General information
Molecular weight
267.33g/mol
Molar mass
267.3320g/mol
Density
2.0540g/cm3
Appearence

Tetramethyllead appears as a colorless liquid. It is known for being highly volatile and flammable, typically handled cautiously due to its toxicity and potential to decompose upon exposure to air or moisture. The compound emits a slightly sweet odour that is characteristic of organolead compounds.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of tetramethylplumbane

Tetramethylplumbane, with the chemical formula Pb(CH3)4, is an organometallic compound featuring lead as its central atom surrounded by four methyl groups. When it comes to its solubility, several key points can be highlighted:

  • Solvent Interaction: Tetramethylplumbane is generally considered nonpolar, making it more soluble in nonpolar solvents such as hexane or toluene compared to polar solvents like water.
  • Insolubility in Water: Due to its nonpolar nature, tetramethylplumbane is insoluble in water, which can be attributed to the principle of "like dissolves like" in chemistry.
  • Molecular Structure Influence: The bulky methyl groups provide steric hindrance, affecting how it interacts with different solvents, further supporting its preference for nonpolar environments.

In summary, one can state that tetramethylplumbane's solubility is heavily influenced by its nonpolar characteristics, leading to a strong preference for nonpolar solvents and effectively rendering it insoluble in polar solvents like water.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Tetramethylplumbane

Tetramethylplumbane is a unique organometallic compound that showcases the intriguing chemistry of lead in its organic forms. Here are some fascinating aspects of this compound:

  • Structure and Stability: Tetramethylplumbane features a lead atom surrounded by four methyl groups. This configuration leads to a highly stable molecular structure, where the bulky methyl groups provide steric protection around the lead center.
  • Lead in Organics: As an organolead compound, tetramethylplumbane raises interesting discussions about the role of lead in organic chemistry. While lead has a notorious reputation due to its toxicity, compounds like tetramethylplumbane allow scientists to explore its behavior in a different light.
  • Uses in Research: Tetramethylplumbane is instrumental in various research avenues, particularly in studying organic lead compounds, developing new materials, and understanding the implications of heavy metals in organics. Its properties help chemists analyze reactions that may not be typical for more traditional organic compounds.
  • Potential Applications: Based on its chemical properties, there are potential applications of tetramethylplumbane in organic synthesis and materials science. Its unique structure could lead to developments in formulations that require durable and high-stability characteristics.
  • Safety Concerns: While examining tetramethylplumbane, it is crucial to address the implications of lead-containing compounds. Understanding the environmental and health impacts of lead remains an important topic in contemporary chemistry.

In summary, tetramethylplumbane is not just a simple compound; it serves as a window into the complex and sometimes paradoxical world of organometallic chemistry. As researchers continue to explore its properties and behavior, tetramethylplumbane will undoubtedly play a role in our ongoing quest for knowledge in the realm of chemical science.

Synonyms
Tetramethyllead
Tetramethylplumbane
Plumbane, tetramethyl-
75-74-1
TETRAMETHYL LEAD
Lead tetramethyl
Lead, tetramethyl-
Tetramethylolovo
Piombo tetra-metile
Bleitetramethyl
CCRIS 5940
HSDB 1677
EINECS 200-897-0
UNII-C7J62Z32IW
BRN 3902986
LEAD, TETRAMETHYL
PLUMBANE, TETRAMETHYL
(CH3)4Pb
C7J62Z32IW
TETRAMETHYL LEAD [HSDB]
DTXSID0026123
CHEBI:30183
4-04-00-04348 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
TML
Tetramethylblei
Tetramethylolovo [Czech]
Piombo tetra-metile [Italian]
Methylplumban
Methyl plumbane
Piombotetrametile
MOTOR FUEL ANTIKNOCK COMPOUNDS (CONTAIN LEAD) (TETRA-METHYL LEAD)
MOTOR FUEL ANTIKNOCK COMPOUNDS (CONTAIN LEAD) {TETRA-METHYL LEAD}
Tetra-methyl lead
PbMe4
Tetrametile di piombo
Tetramethylblei (German)
DTXCID606123
Tetramethyl lead (ACGIH:OSHA)
NS00078882
TETRAMETHYL LEAD, TOLUENE BLEND NO.2
G28834
EN300-7570031
Q425777