Barium sulfate

Barium sulfate

Barium sulfate from a pharmacy
Names
IUPAC name Barium sulfate
Other names Barium sulphate
Identifiers
Jmol-3D images	Image
SMILES [Ba+2].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O
Properties
Chemical formula	BaSO4
Molar mass	233.43 g/mol
Appearance	White solid
Odor	Odorless
Density	4.49 g/cm3
Melting point	1,580 °C (2,880 °F; 1,850 K)
Boiling point	1,600 °C (2,910 °F; 1,870 K) (decomposes)
Solubility in water	0.0002448 g/100 mL (20 °C) 0.000285 g/100 mL (30 °C)
Solubility	Soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid Insoluble in acetone, chloroform, ethanol, toluene
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (So298)	132 J·mol−1·K−1
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfHo298)	−1465 kJ·mol−1
Hazards
Safety data sheet	ScienceLab
Flash point	Non-flammable
Related compounds
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Barium sulfate or barium sulphate is an insoluble salt of barium, with a variety of applications. It has the chemical formula BaSO₄.

Properties

Chemical

Barium sulfate isn't terribly reactive, but there is a way of converting it to other barium salts. The trick is that barium carbonate is even less soluble than barium sulfate, and sulfate can be converted to carbonate by lengthy boiling in a solution of sodium carbonate. This should be done under reflux, to prevent the solution in the pot from drying.

Physical

Barium sulfate is a dense white solid, insoluble in water.

Availability

Barium sulfate can be purchased from many pharmacies.

Preparation

Barium sulfate can be easily prepared by reacting any soluble barium salt with sulfuric acid or a sulfate.

Projects

• Make white pigment
• Green flame in some pyrotechnics
• Paper brightener
• Making barium carbonate

Handling

Safety

Although soluble salts of barium are toxic to humans, barium sulfate is nontoxic due to its insolubility. This allows it to be used safely in X-ray investigations.

Storage

Barium sulfate should be stored in closed bottles.

Disposal

Due to its low toxicity, barium sulfate doesn't require special disposal.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Need help with BaSO4..