Question

Sindoor is represented by:
A. Pb(NO$_3$)$_2$
B. PbCO$_3$.Pb(OH)$_2$
C. Pb(OH)$_2$.4PbCO$_3$
D. Pb$_3$O$_4$

Answer 1

Sindoor is a traditional vermillion red coloured cosmetic powder usually worn by married women. The chemical name of sindoor is lead tetroxide. From the chemical name, the chemical formula of sindoor could be known.

Complete step by step answer:
i) Firstly, let us know about the sindoor. The chemical name of sindoor is vermillion, and is red, or orange coloured, available in the powder form.
ii) Now, if we talk about the components of traditional sindooram, the main component is cinnabar. We know cinnabar is the ore of mercury, and is bright red in colour.
iii) The chemical composition of cinnabar is HgS, or we can say mercury(II) sulphide mineral.
iv) As mentioned, the chemical name of sindoor is lead tetroxide, the symbol of lead is Pb.
v) If we see the options first represents lead nitrate, second is hydrocerussite, a compound of lead carbonate, third is complex compound, and the fourth represents lead tetroxide.

So, the sindoor is represented by Pb$_3$O$_4$. The correct option is D.

Additional information:
When the sindoor is produced, sometimes it contains synthetic ingredients, and might contain lead. The other name of sindoor is kumkuma. The traditional sindoor mentioned in Ayurveda, is made from natural ingredients. It is the mark of a married woman in Hinduism.

Note: Don’t get confused between the options, we are given with the different compounds of lead. The various names of sindoor must be known, so that there is no need of confusion in knowing the chemical formula of sindoor.