Lead stearate is a metal-organic compound, a salt of lead and stearic acid with the chemical formula C36 H70 PbO The compound is classified as a metallic soap, i.e. a metal derivative of a fatty acid.[2] The compound is toxic.
The compound is used as a drier in oil paints and varnishes to speed the polymerization and oxidation processes. Also used as a lubricant and stabilizer in vinyl polymers and as a corrosion inhibitor in petroleum products