Lead fluorochloride

Lead fluorochloride

Names
Other names Lead fluoride chloride, lead fluoro-chloride
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
PubChem CID	101611508
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID001047857
InChI InChI=1S/ClH.FH.Pb/h2*1H;/q;;+2/p-2 Key: FVEZKDUIAKYNFW-UHFFFAOYSA-L
SMILES [F-].[Cl-].[Pb+2]
Properties
Chemical formula	PbFCl
Appearance	colorless crystals
Density	7.11 g/cm3 [1]
Melting point	603 °C (1,117 °F; 876 K)
Structure
Crystal structure	tetragonal
Space group	P4/mmm
Related compounds
Related compounds	Barium fluorochloride Strontium fluorochloride Lead fluorobromide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Lead fluorochloride or lead fluoride chloride is an inorganic compound of lead, fluorine, and chlorine with the chemical formula PbFCl. ^[2] The compound is a mixed halide of lead, meaning it contains both fluoride and chloride ions.

Natural occurences

The mineral matlockite with the chemical formula PbFCl was discovered in the early 1800s at Bage Mine in Bolehill near Matlock, alongside phosgenite and anglesite specimens. While phosgenite had already been identified by that time, it appears that matlockite was not officially recognized as a distinct new mineral for approximately 50 years after its discovery. ^[3]

Synthesis

The compound can be obtained by melting PbF₂ with PbCl₂ while other methods are also known. ^[4]

PbF₂ + PbCl₂ → 2PbFCl

An exchange reaction of acidified solutions of lead nitrate, potassium chloride, and potassium fluoride:

Pb(NO₃)₂ + KF + KCl → PbClF + 2KNO₃

Physical properties

The compound forms crystals of layered tetragonal system, space group P4/mmm. Unit cell dimensions are a = 4.111 Å, c = 7.226 Å, V = 122.1 Å³. ^[5]

Pure lead fluorochloride is transparent between 270 and 800 nm. It is fluorescent under UV light. ^[5]

References

1. Chen, Jianming; Shen, Dingzhong; Ren, Guohao; Mao, Rihua; Yin, Zhiwen (24 February 2004). "A high-density inorganic scintillator: lead fluoride chloride". Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics . 37 (6): 938–941. Bibcode:2004JPhD...37..938C. doi:10.1088/0022-3727/37/6/020. ISSN   0022-3727 . Retrieved 17 July 2025.
2. Volborth, Alexis (2 December 2012). Elemental Analysis in Geochemistry. Elsevier. p. 125. ISBN   978-0-444-60151-3 . Retrieved 17 July 2025.
3. "Matlockite (Matlockite)". Rock Identifier. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
4. Lieth, R. M. A. (29 June 2013). Preparation and Crystal Growth of Materials with Layered Structures. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 47. ISBN   978-94-017-2750-1 . Retrieved 16 July 2025.
5. Chen, Jianming; Shen, Dingzhong; Mao, Rihua; Ren, Guohao; Yin, Zhiwen (1 April 2003). "Crystal growth of PbFCl by modified Bridgman method". Journal of Crystal Growth . 250 (3): 393–396. Bibcode:2003JCrGr.250..393C. doi:10.1016/S0022-0248(02)02353-9. ISSN   0022-0248 . Retrieved 17 July 2025.