Plumbite

In chemistry, plumbite is the PbO2(2-) oxyanion or hydrated forms, or any salt containing this anion. In these salts, lead is in the oxidation state +2. It is the traditional term for the IUPAC name plumbate(II).

For example, lead(II) oxide (PbO) dissolves in alkali to form salts containing the HPbO2- anion (hydrogen plumbite):
 * PbO + OH- → HPbO2-

Lead(II) hydroxide also dissolves in excess alkali to form the [Pb(OH)6](4-) anion (hexahydroxyplumbate(II)):
 * Pb(OH)2 + 4 OH- → [Pb(OH)6](4-)

The plumbite ion is a weak reducing agent. When it functions as one, it is oxidized to the plumbate ion.