Sugar of Lead
Tuesday January 8, 2008
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The ancient Romans would boil down grape juice in lead pots and use the resulting syrup to sweeten wine and preserve fruit. We all know how it went down for the Romans, but lead acetate is still in use today. Have you noticed some lipsticks taste sweet on your lips even though, when you read the ingredient list, they contain no sugar or other sweeteners... well... except the lead acetate. Lead acetate is found in red lipsticks more than other colors. The chemical helps with colorfastness, which is why it's also using in dyeing, including progressive hair color, like Grecian Formula™ for men. You can have a head of youthfully dark hair, all the better to attract that lovely lady with the ruby red lips and the sweet, sweet kiss.
Crystal Photo Gallery | What Makes Lead Poisonous?
Photo: Crystals of lead (II) acetate or sugar of lead, prepared by mixing lead carbonate with aqueous acetic acid and allowing the solution to evaporate. (Dormroomchemist, wikipedia.com)
Comments
I have been a happy receiver of Dr.. Helmenstines chem letter for some time. I am a wish I could have been chemist since childhood, 83 years ago; I have a small fun lab set up in my back room. I am a lover of the Dr. Thank you for keeping it simple for us wantabees.
Great article! It even motivated me to go and research this even further. I am just amazed at the role lead played in the Roman empire. From sweetner to plumbing. Even today, it is still in our plumbing and paint (at least the stuff we get from overseas.
I have recently developed gout, and found that lead sugar was a common cause. I have been drinking very cheep, inexpensive red wine imported from South America, and France. do you think that these wines made contain lead sugar?
HaHaHa!!!
The wife and I were having a debate on some chemical names (Mostly about an element called Einsteinium) and then the chemical debate continued.
Great article! Love your wit. It does make you wonder what would happen if all cosmetics were required to display their ingredients. (not to mention wines and other things we all consume)