Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Preparation and Reactivity of a Triphosphenium Bromide Salt: A Convenient and Stable Source of Phosphorus(I)
Published on: November 22, 2016
Reductive dissolution of lead dioxide (PbO2) in acidic bromide solution.
Yi-Pin Lin1, Richard L Valentine
1Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576. eselinyp@nus.edu.sg
Reductive dissolution of lead dioxide (PbO(2)(s)) in drinking water is clarified. Bromide and acid accelerate PbO(2)(s) dissolution through surface reactions and electron transfer, impacting lead levels.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Surface Chemistry
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Reductive dissolution of lead dioxide (PbO(2)(s)) is a key pathway for elevated lead in drinking water.
- Surface processes governing this heterogeneous reaction remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the kinetics and mechanism of PbO(2)(s) reductive dissolution in acidic bromide solutions.
- To elucidate the detailed surface reactions involved in lead release.
Main Methods:
- Kinetic experiments were conducted in acidic bromide solutions.
- Reaction orders with respect to bromide and proton concentrations were determined.
- A surface reaction mechanism was proposed and validated against kinetic data.
Main Results:
- The reaction rate is proportional to PbO(2)(s) concentration.
- Reaction orders were determined as 1.08 for bromide and 1.77 for protons.
- A mechanism involving bromide adsorption, surface complex formation, and two one-electron transfers was elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Bromide adsorption and the first one-electron transfer are rate-limiting steps.
- The proposed surface reaction mechanism explains the observed kinetics.
- Similar mechanisms may apply to other reductive ions impacting metal oxides.
Related Concept Videos
α-Bromination of Carboxylic Acids: Hell–Volhard–Zelinski Reaction
Radical Substitution: Allylic Bromination
Hydroboration-Oxidation of Alkenes
Acid Halides to Alcohols: LiAlH4 Reduction
The mechanism proceeds in three steps. First, the nucleophilic hydride ion attacks the carbonyl carbon of the acid halide to form a tetrahedral intermediate. Next, the carbonyl group is re-formed, and the halide ion departs as a leaving group, generating an aldehyde. A second nucleophilic attack by the hydride yields an alkoxide ion, which, upon protonation, gives a primary alcohol as...
Solubility Equilibria
The...
Electrolysis
