What Is Barium Oxide?
Barium oxide is an inorganic compound consisting of oxidized barium with the chemical formula BaO. It features a cubic crystal structure resembling the sodium chloride-type structure and appears as a white to light grayish-brown powder or mass. This compound is hygroscopic and dissolves in dilute hydrochloric acid, having a molecular weight of 153.33 and a CAS number of 1304-28-5.
It is classified under various regulations due to its hazardous nature, including being a Deleterious Substance, Packing Class 3 and a Poisonous and Noxious Substance under multiple laws, emphasizing the need for careful handling.
Barium oxide is related to other barium compounds such as barium hydroxide and barium peroxide, highlighting its importance in various chemical processes.
Uses of Barium Oxide
As a vital raw material, barium oxide is utilized in the production of glass, barium salts (e.g., barium chloride, barium sulfate, barium nitrate), and ceramics. Its role extends to the manufacturing of barium sulfate used in inks, plastics, cosmetics, and paints, owing to its chemical stability. Additionally, barium sulfate serves as a contrast agent in X-ray examinations. Barium oxide also plays a crucial role in the IT sector as a precursor for barium carbonate and is employed in synthetic chemistry as a base and drying agent.
Properties of Barium Oxide
With a melting point of 1,920°C and a boiling point of 2,000°C, barium oxide reacts vigorously with water to form barium hydroxide. This reaction is notably more intense and exothermic than that of calcium oxide. Due to its solubility, it is toxic in aqueous solutions and exhibits corrosive properties because of its basic nature. Barium peroxide can be synthesized from barium oxide through heating in air or oxygen, although it decomposes back to barium oxide at temperatures above 800°C.
Other Information on Barium Oxide
Synthesis of Barium Oxide
Barium oxide is produced by burning barium metal in oxygen or through the thermal decomposition of barium hydroxide and barium carbonate, requiring high temperatures characteristic of alkaline earth metal hydroxides and carbonates.
Characteristics of Barium
Barium, an alkaline earth metal with an atomic number of 56 and symbol Ba, gradually oxidizes in air to form barium oxide.
Characteristics of Barium Hydroxide
Dissolving barium oxide in water yields barium hydroxide, a hazardous reaction due to its intensity. Barium hydroxide, represented by the formula Ba (OH)2, is a basic inorganic compound used in analytical chemistry for titration purposes.
Characteristics of Barium Peroxide
Barium peroxide forms from barium oxide upon oxygen absorption and decomposes back to barium oxide and oxygen when heated. This compound, useful as an oxidizer and bleaching agent, contributes a green coloration to flames in fireworks.