Barium compounds

Barium Compounds are a group of chemical compounds that contain barium, a chemical element with the symbol Ba and atomic number 56. Barium compounds are notable for their wide range of applications in various fields such as chemistry, medicine, and industry.

Overview

Barium is a soft, silvery alkaline earth metal that is highly reactive and often exists in nature only in combination with other elements. The most common barium compounds include barium sulfate, barium carbonate, and barium chloride.

Barium Sulfate

Barium sulfate (BaSO4) is a white crystalline solid that is insoluble in water and is primarily used as a radiographic contrast agent in the field of medicine. It is also used in the production of pigments, paper, and rubber.

Barium Carbonate

Barium carbonate (BaCO3) is a white powder used in the manufacture of glass, ceramics, and cement. It is also used in the treatment of certain types of metals.

Barium Chloride

Barium chloride (BaCl2) is a white crystalline solid used in the purification of brine solution in caustic soda production and also in the manufacture of heat treatment salts, case hardening of steel, and in the manufacture of pigments.

Safety and Health Effects

Exposure to barium compounds can have adverse health effects. Ingestion of certain barium compounds (such as barium chloride, barium nitrate, or barium hydroxide) can lead to barium poisoning, which can be fatal. Barium sulfate, however, is not toxic due to its insolubility in water.

See Also

• List of barium compounds
• Chemical compound
• Chemical element
• Chemical reaction