Barium sulfate formula is BaSO₄. It is an inorganic compound. This odorless, white crystalline solid does not dissolve in water. It is naturally found in the mineral barite, which serves as the primary source for barium and its derived materials for commercial purposes.
Barium is an element denoted by the symbol Ba and possesses an atomic number of 56. This soft, silvery alkaline earth metal is divalent in nature and holds the sixth position in group 2 of the periodic table. In its natural state, it is never found as a standalone element due to its exceptionally high chemical reactivity.
Barium is typically encountered in combination with other compounds such as sulfur, carbon, or oxygen. It is notably lightweight, boasting a density that is merely half that of iron. In the presence of oxygen, barium undergoes oxidation and reacts vigorously with water, yielding hydroxide and releasing hydrogen gas. When it comes into contact with virtually all non-metals, barium forms intricate chemical compounds that are often toxic in nature.
Barium Sulfate Formula
Barium sulfate formula is BaSO₄. Barium sulfate is a white crystalline inorganic solid known for its lack of odor and insolubility in water. It occurs naturally in the mineral barite, which serves as the primary source for commercial barium and barium-related products.
Its primary applications capitalize on its white, opaque appearance and high density. Moreover, it is non-toxic and finds use in medical contexts. In the oil and gas industry, it is frequently used to create high-density drilling fluids, thereby keeping boreholes clear of rocks. Barium sulfate can also be produced by reducing barium sulfide with carbon.
Barium Sulfate Formula Structure
Barium sulfate formula is BaSO₄. Barium sulfate is composed of one barium cation (Ba²⁺) and one sulfate anion (SO₄²⁻). The sulfate ion consists of four oxygen atoms bonded to sulfur. As a result, the molecular or chemical formula of Barium Sulfate is BaSO₄. This compound has a molecular mass of 233.38 grams per mole and exhibits an orthorhombic crystalline structure with a dipole moment of zero. Barium sulfate is a chemical compound composed of barium, a soft and silvery metal, combined with sulfur and oxygen. It occurs naturally in the mineral barite, existing as a salt of barium sulfate.
Barium Sulfate Formula Properties
Barium sulfate formula is BaSO₄.
Barium sulfate is a white crystalline solid with no odor at all.
It has a density of 4.49 grams per cubic centimeter at 16°C.
The melting point of Barium sulfate is 1580°C, and its boiling point is 1600°C.
In an aqueous solution, Barium sulfate maintains a neutral pH of 6 at 14°C.
It has a refractive index of 1.636.
The magnetic susceptibility of Barium sulfate is -71.3 × 10⁻⁶ cubic centimeters per mole.
It holds a heat capacity of 101.7 joules per mole Kelvin.
The standard molar entropy is 132 joules per mole Kelvin, and the enthalpy of formation is -1465 kilojoules per mole.
Barium sulfate exhibits limited solubility in water, with solubility levels of 0.2448 milligrams per 100 milliliters at 20°C and 0.285 milligrams per 100 milliliters at 30°C.
It does not dissolve in alcohol but can completely dissolve in concentrated, hot sulfuric acid.
The solubility product of Barium sulfate is 1.0842 × 10⁻¹⁰ at 25°C, signifying very low solubility in water, which is often considered the universal solvent.
Barium sulfate reacts vigorously when in contact with aluminum powder.
Uses of Barium Sulfate
Barium sulfate serves a variety of purposes:
In oil paintings, it is used as a filler or to alter the paint’s consistency.
Barium sulfate aids in imaging the gastrointestinal tract during barium meals, helping diagnose esophageal, stomach, and intestinal issues.
It functions as a contrast agent by coating the inner surfaces of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, enhancing visibility in CT scans and radiologic examinations.
It is used as a coating material in the production of copper anode plates.
It is utilized in drilling fluids for oil wells, enhancing fluid density. Additionally, it serves as a filler in plastics to increase polymer density.
Barium sulfate is utilized in devices designed to assess soil pH.
Barium sulfate is utilized in the production of metal alloys.
Approximately 80% of global barium sulfate production, primarily refined from minerals, is used in oil well drilling fluid. It raises fluid density, reducing the risk of well blowouts by increasing hydrostatic pressure.
Barium sulfate is commonly found in paints and glass manufacturing.
It is used in brake linings, acoustic foams, powder coatings, and even root canal fillings.
Barium sulfate plays an important role in various industries, owing to its diverse and valuable properties.
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Barium Sulfate Formula FAQs
What is the chemical formula of Barium Sulfate?
The chemical formula of Barium Sulfate is BaSO₄.
What is the structure of Barium Sulfate?
Barium Sulfate is composed of one barium cation and one sulfate anion and it is arranged in an orthorhombic crystalline structure.
Does BaSO4 insoluble in water?
BaSO4 is insoluble in water.
Is barium sulfate dangerous to humans?
Chemically pure barium sulfate is safe for human consumption, owing to its insolubility, and is commonly used as a contrast agent in X-ray examinations for colorectal and upper gastrointestinal diagnosis.
