The adsorption of Pb on Ni(100) has been characterized by Auger electron spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction, measurements of work function changes (Δφ) and crystal current measurements (i c ). The lead layer grows by the Stranski-Krastanov mode. In the submonolayer range four well-organized two-dimensional phases have been found (C(2 2), C(9√ √2)R45°, C(7√2 √2)R45° and C(5√2 √2)R45°). Isothermal desorption experiments show two distinct zero-order kinetics: the first one is connected to the desorption of the C(5√2 √2)R45° and C(7√2 √2)R45° phases, the second one to the desorption of the C(9√2 √2)R45° phase. In the range of temperature investigated (591-613 K) no desorption of the C(2 2) phase is found.