What Is Barium Chloride?
Barium chloride is an inorganic compound with the formula BaCl2. It exists as anhydrous, monohydrate, and dihydrate forms, with the dihydrate being the most commonly available. The CAS registration numbers are 10361-37-2 for the anhydrous form and 10326-27-9 for the dihydrate.
Classified by the GHS as acutely toxic when ingested, it is also corrosive to skin, irritating to eyes, and toxic to specific target organs upon both single and repeated exposure.
Uses of Barium Chloride
Barium chloride is utilized in various applications, including as a component in organic pigments, paper fillers, metal heat treatment agents, roentgen contrast media, and phosphors.
1. Raw Material for Barium Salts
Its primary use is as a precursor for other barium salts, such as barium sulfate, which serves as a bulking agent in paint and rubber, and as an X-ray contrast agent. Barium sulfate is produced either by reacting barium sulfide with sodium sulfate or through a coprecipitation reaction with barium chloride and sodium sulfate.
2. Turbidimetric Analysis of Sulfate
Barium chloride plays a crucial role in the turbidimetric analysis of sulfate ions, where it forms insoluble barium sulfate upon reaction with sulfate ions for both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Properties of Barium Chloride
1. Basic Information on Barium Chloride (Anhydrous)
The anhydrous form has a molecular weight of 208.23, melts at 961°C, and boils at 1,560°C. It appears as a white solid at room temperature, with a density of 3.9 g/mL, and is highly soluble in water but has low solubility in alcohols.
2. Basic Information on Barium Chloride (Dihydrate)
The dihydrate form, with a molecular weight of 244.26, also melts at 962°C and boils at 1,560°C. It appears as white crystals or powder, becomes anhydrous at 121°C, and is highly soluble in water but virtually insoluble in ethanol.
Types of Barium Chloride
Barium chloride is commercially available in forms suitable for both research and industrial use, predominantly sold as the dihydrate form, with limited availability of anhydrous and monohydrate forms from some suppliers.
1. Reagent Products for Research and Development
For research and development, it is mainly available as dihydrate, with some anhydrous forms, or as a 10 w/v% solution. Available in quantities like 25g, 100g, and 500g, these reagents are designed for easy laboratory handling and can be stored at room temperature.
2. Industrial Chemicals
In the industrial sector, barium chloride is typically sold as dihydrate, though monohydrate forms are also offered by some manufacturers. Sold in larger quantities, such as 25 kg, specific product inquiries should be directed to individual manufacturers.
Other Information on Barium Chloride
1. Synthesis of Barium Chloride
Barium chloride can be synthesized by reacting barium hydroxide or barium carbonate with hydrochloric acid. Industrial production methods often involve melting baryte with calcium chloride or reacting barium sulfide with hydrochloric acid.
2. Regulations on Barium Chloride
Due to its hazardous nature, barium chloride is regulated under various health and safety laws, requiring proper labeling, notification, and risk assessments. It is also classified as a deleterious substance under poison control laws, necessitating careful handling in compliance with regulatory standards.