Lead stearate

Lead stearate is a metal-organic compound, a salt of lead and stearic acid with the chemical formula. The compound is classified as a metallic soap, i.e. a metal derivative of a fatty acid. The compound is toxic.

Synthesis
The compound can be prepared by reacting stearic acid, lead(II) oxide, and a catalyst acetic acid.
 * $$\mathrm{2 \ C_{17}H_{35}COOH + PbO \longrightarrow (C_{17}H_{35}COO)_{2}Pb + \ H_2O}$$

Also, an exchange reaction between lead(II) acetate and sodium stearate:
 * $$\mathsf{ Pb(CH_3COO)_2 + 2NaC_{18}H_{35}O_2 \ \xrightarrow{}\ Pb(C_{18}H_{35}O_2)_2\downarrow + 2 CH_3COONa }$$

Physical properties
White powder with a slight fatty odor. Sinks in water. Hygroscopic in air.

Slightly soluble in water. Soluble in hot ethanol.

Uses
The compound is used as a drier in oil paints and varnishes to speed the polymerization and oxidation processes. Also used as a lubricant and stabilizer in vinyl polymers and as a corrosion inhibitor in petroleum products.