Question

given that the only known ionic charges of lead are pb(ii) and pb(iv), how can you explain the existence of the pb2o3 salt

Answer 1

See Explanation

Step-by-step explanation:

Pb2O3 is better formulated as PbO.PbO2. It is actually a mixture of the two oxides of lead, lead II oxide and lead IV oxide.

This implies that this compound Pb2O3 (sometimes called lead sesquioxide) is a mixture of the oxides of lead in its two known oxidation states +II and +IV.

Hence Pb2O3 contains PbO and PbO2 units.