Barium Oxide Formula, Structure, Properties, Uses

Barium Oxide Formula: Barium oxide formula is BaO. Barium oxide, commonly referred to as baria, is a white, moisture-absorbing, non-combustible compound represented by the chemical formula BaO. It holds a cubic crystalline structure and finds applications in cathode ray tubes, crown glass production, and as a catalyst. It should be noted that barium oxide can be harmful to human skin, and if swallowed  of significant amounts can result in irritation. In extreme cases, excessive exposure to barium oxide can be fatal.

Barium oxide is produced by either heating barium carbonate in the presence of coke, carbon black, or tar, or by thermally decomposing barium nitrate.

Barium is an alkali metal with the chemical symbol Ba and an atomic number of 56, placing it as the fifth element within Group 2 of the periodic table. Due to its high reactivity, barium is never found naturally in its pure elemental form. The most common minerals containing barium are barite and witherite.

Barium, denoted by its chemical symbol Ba, holds an atomic mass of 137.327 unified atomic mass units and holds an atomic number of 56, placing it in Group 2 of the periodic table. Its Van der Waals radius measures 268 picometers, while it undergoes a phase transition from solid to liquid at a melting point of 727°C. The density of barium stands at 3.5 grams per cubic centimeter at 20°C. Furthermore, barium exhibits a standard reduction potential of –2.90 volts. It is consistent with its oxidation state of 2+.

Oxygen is a substantial constituent of Earth’s atmosphere and it comprises roughly 21% in the atmosphere, and it is known for its high reactivity. When oxygen reacts with other elements, it forms compounds known as oxides. These oxides are combinations of oxygen with elements that have lower electronegativity. Examples of oxides include Na₂O, CaO, Al₂O3, CO₂, N₂O₃, Cl₂O, and XeO₂. Oxides encompass a category of chemical compounds characterized by the presence of one or more oxygen atoms combined with another element, such as Li₂O, CO₂, H₂O, and so forth.

Barium Oxide Formula

Barium Oxide exhibits a cubic crystalline structure. which represents the arrangement of barium oxide (BaO). In this structure, one barium ion takes part in the reaction, and both ions unite to produce barium oxide. This chemical transformation results in the oxidation of barium to create barium oxide. Barium oxide possesses a monoisotopic mass of 153.9 g/mol. Notably, it has one hydrogen bond acceptor and zero hydrogen bond donors, indicating the presence of a single covalently bonded unit.

Barium Oxide Formula Structure

The precise mass and monoisotopic mass of Barium monoxide are both 153.9 g/mol. It has one hydrogen bond acceptor and no hydrogen bond donors. This compound is in its canonical form and consists of a single covalently bonded unit.

Barium Oxide Formula Physical Properties

Barium Oxide Characteristics:

Barium oxide formula is BaO.

Formation: Barium oxide, also known as baria. Barium oxide produced when a barium salt undergoes oxidation. Barium oxide is non-flammable, white, and hygroscopic.

Chemical Formula:Barium oxide formula is BaO. BaO is formed through the oxidation of barium salts, as per the equation:

2Ba + O₂ → 2BaO.

Molar Mass: Barium oxide has a molar mass of 153.326 g/mol.

Appearance: The oxidation of a barium salt to produce barium oxide produced a white powdery solid substance.

Density: The density of barium oxide is 5.72 g/cm³.

Alternative Names: Barium oxide is also referred to as barium monoxide, barium protoxide, and calcined baryta.

Solubility in Water: Barium oxide exhibits solubility in water. Barium oxide is disolve at a rate of 3.48 g/100 mL at 20°C and 90.8 g/100 mL at 100°C.

Solubility: Barium oxide is soluble in ethanol, dilute mineral acids, and alkalies. However, it is insoluble in acetone and liquid ammonia.

Melting Point: Barium oxide has a high melting point of 1,923 degrees Celsius. which is equivalent to 3,493 degrees Fahrenheit or 2,196 Kelvin.

Boiling Point: The boiling point of barium oxide is 2,000 degrees Celsius. Which is corresponding to 3,630 degrees Fahrenheit or 2,270 Kelvin.

Barium Oxide Formula Chemical Properties

When barium salts are oxidized, they produce barium oxide. It is also known as baria. Barium oxide is a non-combustible, white, and hygroscopic substance. The molecular formula for barium oxide is BaO. which can be derived from the following chemical equation:

2Ba + O₂ → 2BaO.

Barium Oxide Production

Barium oxide is produced through the thermal decomposition of barium carbonate (BaCO3) or by heating barium nitrate (Ba(NO3)2). Various barium salts can also be decomposed to produce barium oxide. The process can be represented as follows:

2Ba + O₂ → 2BaO

BaCO₃ → BaO + CO₂

Uses of Barium Oxide

Barium oxide serves as an absorbent in various chemical reactions.

It plays a crucial role in the manufacture of optical crown glass.

Barium oxide is used in the process of isomer separation.

It acts as an oxidizing agent.

Due to its ability to supply oxygen under changing heat conditions, barium oxide finds applications in different processes.

It is utilized for coating hot cathode ray tubes.

Barium oxide is a key component in fuel production.

It is used as an ethoxylation catalyst in the reaction between ethylene oxide and alcohols, typically occurring within the temperature range of 150°C to 200°C.