Barium iodide Formula, Structure, Properties, Uses

Barium Iodide Formula: Barium iodide is an inorganic chemical compound represented by the formula BaI2. This compound is found in two forms: the anhydrous variant and a hydrate (BaI₂(H₂O)₂), both of which exhibit a white, solid appearance. When exposed to heat, the hydrated version of barium iodide transforms into the anhydrous salt. The hydrate form is readily soluble in water, ethanol, and acetone.

Barium, with the atomic symbol Ba and atomic number 56, takes its place in the periodic table. This soft and silvery alkaline metal belongs to Group II and is known for its high reactivity, which prevents it from being naturally found in its pure form. With an atomic weight of 137.32 amu, it resides in the s-block of the periodic table.

Iodine, represented by the atomic symbol I and atomic number 53, is another notable element on the periodic table. As the heaviest stable halogen, it falls within Group 17. Under standard conditions, iodine takes on a non-lustrous, non-metallic appearance, and it is classified as a p-block element, with an atomic weight of 126.904 amu.

Barium iodide Formula

Barium Iodide Formula is BaI2.. Barium iodide is a crystalline substance that appears colorless and has a slight tendency to absorb moisture from the air, making it soluble in water. This compound is derived from the decomposition of the heavy metal barium using metallic sodium. It was originally isolated through the process of electrolysis in molten barium salt by Sir Humphry Davy. According to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), its formal name is ‘Barium(2+)diiodide.’

Barium iodide Molecular Formula 

Barium iodide is the combination of one part of barium and two parts of iodine. Consequently .The molecular formula of barium iodide can be expressed as:

Molecular Formula of Barium Iodide = BaI₂

Barium iodide Formula Structure

Barium Iodide Formula is BaI₂. The structural formula of barium iodide serves to illustrate the arrangement of barium and iodine atoms within the compound, as well as the bonds connecting them. The structural formula of barium iodide is presented below:

Barium iodide Formula Physical Properties

Barium iodide possesses a range of distinctive physical properties:

Lack of Odor: Barium iodide is completely odorless, lacking any discernible scent.

Solid Form: It exists as a solid substance with a pure white appearance, typically encountered in this state.

Excellent Solubility in Alcohol: Barium iodide exhibits a high degree of solubility in alcohol, readily dissolving when introduced into this solvent.

Neutral pH: The pH value of barium iodide is precisely 7, indicating a neutral nature on the pH scale.

Density: Density is 5.15 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). it demonstrates a notable compactness.

Melting and Boiling Points:It melts at 711°C and boils at a substantially higher temperature of 2027°C.

Molecular Formula: Molecular formula of barium iodide is represented by BaI2, which conveys its elemental composition.

Barium iodide Formula Chemical Properties

Reaction with Potassium Bromide:

When barium iodide is combined with potassium bromide, it results in the formation of potassium iodide and barium bromide, accompanied by the appearance of a yellow precipitate.

KBr + BaI₂ → KI + BaBr₂

Reaction with Sodium Sulfate:

When barium iodide interacts with sodium sulfate, it yields barium sulfate, and sodium iodide is produced as a result.

BaI₂ + Na₂SO₄ → BaSO₄ + 2NaI

Preparation of Barium Iodide

There are several techniques to produce barium iodide provided below.

Barium iodide can be manufactured by combining barium and iodine elements. This method exploits the high reactivity of these metals and halogens. It’s important to apply heat during this process, especially since iodine belongs to the least reactive category within the 17th group.

Ba + I₂ →  BaI₂

Another approach to production of  barium iodide involves the treatment of an aqueous solution of potassium iodide with barium nitrate in the presence of water. This procedure results in the formation of dihydrate barium iodide and potassium nitrate as byproducts.

KI(aq) + Ba(NO₃)₂(aq) →  KNO₃(aq) + BaI₂(aq)

Uses of Barium Iodide

Barium iodide finds utility in several areas:

Copper Casting Identification: It is used to identify copper castings, likely due to its distinctive reactions with copper.

Barium Dioxide Production: This compound is utilized in the preparation of barium dioxide, a process where barium iodide plays a crucial role.

Iodine Compound Production: Barium iodide serves as a component in the manufacture of various other iodine compounds, leveraging its chemical properties.