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Why can lead resist attack by hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid?
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lead
Properties of lead.
Lead is able to resist significant attack by hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid because of the formation of protective, insoluble coatings on its surface.1
When lead comes into contact with these acids, it reacts to form either lead chloride () or lead sulfate (). Because these specific compounds are insoluble, they create a thin, stable layer that coats the metal and prevents the acid from continuing to react with the underlying material. This property of chemical resistance is why lead is frequently utilized for lining pipes, conduits, and structures intended for the transport or processing of corrosive substances.1