Lead(II) oxide exists in two forms: red, tetragonal PbO and yellow rhombic PbO. It is amphoteric in nature but basic character is more prominent. It reacts with water and carbon dioxide to form basic lead(II) carbonate. Industrial preparation of PbO is by oxidation of molten lead with O
2 or thermal decomposition of lead(II) nitrate, carbonate or hydroxide.1
Lead(II) oxide is a crystalline solid, which can be prepared by decomposition of lead carbonate
[1] or by heating molten lead in the presence of air.
[2] It can be used in the synthesis of lead(II) ethanoate by reaction with ethanoic acid.
[1]