In the direct chlorination process, lead metal is heated in a chlorine atmosphere to produce lead chloride. This reaction can be carried out at a temperature of around 500-700 °C.

Pb(s) + Cl2(g) → PbCl2(s)

Method 2: Reaction of lead oxide with hydrochloric acid

In this method, lead oxide is reacted with hydrochloric acid to form lead chloride. This reaction can be performed at room temperature or with mild heating.

PbO(s) + 2HCl(aq) → PbCl2(aq) + H2O(l)

The lead chloride solution obtained from either of the above methods can be purified by filtration and crystallization.