Pronunciation: [lˈiːd kɹˈə͡ʊme͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The spelling of "lead chromate" may appear confusing due to the pronunciation of the word "lead". In this context, "lead" is pronounced as "led", as in the past tense of the verb "to lead". The IPA phonetic transcription of "lead chromate" is /lɛd ˈkroʊmeɪt/. This chemical compound is commonly used as a pigment in paints and plastics, and its yellow color can be seen in many everyday objects such as street signs and toys.
Lead chromate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula PbCrO4. It is a bright yellow crystalline powder commonly used as a pigment in various applications such as paints, coatings, plastics, and ceramics.
This compound is typically synthesized by reacting sodium chromate or potassium chromate with lead salts in an aqueous solution. Lead chromate is insoluble in water, but soluble in acids, resulting in its utilization as a colorant in acidic and alkaline environments. It exhibits strong and stable color properties, making it a desirable choice for applications requiring vivid and long-lasting yellow hues.
However, lead chromate has raised concerns due to its toxicity. The lead content in this compound is highly toxic when inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with the skin. Prolonged exposure can lead to various health issues, including neurological disorders, kidney damage, and developmental problems. Consequently, the use of lead chromate has been restricted or banned in numerous countries.
To mitigate these risks, alternative pigments have been developed as substitutes for lead chromate, such as organic pigments like diarylide yellow or inorganic pigments like cadmium sulfide or zinc yellow. These substitutes offer similar color characteristics without the health hazards associated with lead chromate.
The word "lead chromate" has a fairly straightforward etymology.
"Lead" stems from the Old English word "lēad", which came from the West Germanic word "loudhom", meaning "a lead supply or a leaden vessel/container". This word ultimately traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "laham" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*plōto-".
"Chromate" originates from the French word "chrôme", which comes from the Greek word "khrōma", meaning "color". The term "chromate" specifically refers to a chemical compound containing the chromate ion (CrO4^2-).
