LEAD MONOXIDE LITHARGE
Litharge is the key component in the manufacture of chrome-yellow and chrome-green pigments. It serves as an accelerator, toughener,
and control ingredient in rubber production and as a catalyst in oil refining, where it breaks up some of the organic sulfur compounds found in petroleum.
Litharge, which is Lead Mono-Oxide (PbO) is a yellowish or reddish, odorless, heavy, earthy, water-insoluble, solid, PbO, used chiefly in the manufacture of Lead Stabilizers (Lead Steareates), pottery, Lead glass, paints, enamels, and inks.
Lead oxide may be fatal if swallowed or inhaled. It causes irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It affects gum tissue, central nervous system, kidneys, blood, and reproductive system. It can bioaccumulate in plants and in mammals.
Litharge (from Greek lithargyros, lithos (stone) + argyros (silver) λιθάργυρος) is one of the natural mineral forms of lead(II) oxide, PbO. ... PbO may be prepared by heating lead metal in air at approximately 600 °C (lead melts at only 300 °C).