PbCNO2

PbCNO2, commonly called lead(II) cyanate, is an inorganic salt consisting of lead(II) cations and cyanate anions (CNO−). In proper stoichiometry the compound is Pb(CNO)2, though it is sometimes written in a simplified form as PbCNO2. The cyanate ligand can coordinate to metal centers through nitrogen, oxygen, or both, often producing polymeric networks in solid lead cyanate.

Synthesis of lead(II) cyanate typically proceeds by a metathesis reaction between a soluble lead(II) salt and a cyanate source. For example, lead(II) nitrate reacts with potassium cyanate to form Pb(CNO)2 as a precipitate and potassium nitrate in solution: Pb(NO3)2 + 2 KOCN → Pb(CNO)2 ↓ + 2 KNO3. The exact crystallinity and morphology of the product can depend on factors such as temperature, concentration, and counterions.

Properties of Pb(CNO)2 include being a white to pale yellow crystalline solid with limited solubility in water. The compound tends to be insoluble or sparingly soluble in common solvents and may exhibit a polymeric, extended solid-state structure featuring Pb2+ centers bridged by cyanate ligands. It is typically stable under ambient conditions but decomposes upon heating, releasing gaseous products and leaving lead oxide or related residues.

Applications of lead(II) cyanate are mainly of interest in inorganic synthesis and coordination chemistry studies rather than broad commercial use. It serves as a precursor to other lead compounds and as a test system for cyanate-bridged metal frameworks. Safety considerations reflect the toxicity of lead compounds; handling should follow standard lab precautions and waste should be disposed of according to regulatory requirements.