Lead oxide explained

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,, minium, which is a lead (II,IV) oxide and may be thought of as lead(II) orthoplumbate(IV), vivid orange crystals
• Lead dioxide (lead(IV) oxide),, dark-brown or black powder

Less common lead oxides are:

• Lead sesquioxide,, which is a lead (II,IV) oxide as well (lead(II) metaplumbate(IV)), reddish yellow
• , 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.