A room temperature structure for anhydrous lead (II) decanoate

Abstract The room temperature structure of anhydrous lead (II) decanoate has been studied using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and polarizing light microscopy. A triclinic unit cell with dimensions: a =8.529 (3), b =11.207 (4), c =28.451 (2) A; α =83.814 (2), β =88.971 (2), γ =65.143 (3); Z =4, M =549.2 g mol −1 , D c =1.50 (6), D m =1.68 (2) is indicated. Infrared and powder diffraction data point to a structure containing both bidentate bonding and carboxylate bridging around, possibly eight coordinated lead. A bilayer arrangement of chains at an average 68° to planes containing Pb 2+ ions is proposed. Each molecule is situated at the corners and center of the unit cell with possibly P 1 symmetry as is the case for copper (II) decanoate.