Lead bromide is used for developing images in photography; as inorganic filler in fire-retardant plastics; as a photopolymerization catalyst for acrylamide monomer; and as a welding flux for welding aluminum or its alloys to other metals.

Lead bromide was prevalent in the environment as the result of the use of leaded gasoline. Tetraethyl lead was once widely used to improve the combustion properties of gasoline.

Molten lead bromide, PbBr 2(l), is an electrolyte. During electrolysis: Pb 2+ ions gain electrons at the cathode and become Pb atoms. Br - ions lose electrons at the anode and become Br atoms, which pair up to form Br 2 molecules.

LEAD BROMIDE FOR SYNTHESIS