Skip to Content

Barium Sulfate – Properties, Uses, and Formula

Share this post on:

Barium sulfate has the chemical formula BaSO4 and is an inorganic substance. Barium sulfate is used as an X-ray contrast medium and is added to concrete to improve radiation resistance. In addition, It is the primary source of barium and is widely utilized in the chemical and medicinal industries since it is the only nontoxic salt of barite.

Barium sulfate has the chemical formula BaSO4 and is an inorganic substance.
Figure credit: https://www.alamy.com/

Some minerals contain barium sulfate, notably barite. The purification and extraction of barium sulfate from the mineral is accomplished by a technique known as carbothermal reduction, which involves heating the material with coke and then treating the result of these reactions with sulfuric acid.

Technical Name of compoundBarium sulfate (BaSO4 )
Appearanceodorless, white or yellow crystalline solid or powder(at room temperature)
Melting point1580 ºC
Structureorthorhombic lattice
Density4.25 g mL-1
UsesBarium sulfate is used in medicine, as a cocktail in the radio-opaque diagnosis.

Table of Contents

Element Barium

The periodic table classifies barium as an alkaline-earth metal because it is soft, ductile, and silvery-white. Barium compounds are employed in a range of settings and industries and have been studied since the 1600s. It is a relatively “heavy” element, which has ramifications for its applications and compounds.

Related Links

Molar Mass of Acetic Acid| Easy-Explanation

Acetyl Group| 9 Key Points-Easy Explanation

Hydrogen Bond| Definition & Easy Explanation

Is HCN Polar or Nonpolar| Simple Explanation

Liquid Oxygen-Cryogenic Liquid

Disclaimer

Whatsinsight.org‘s blog and everything published on it are provided solely as an information resource. The blog, its authors, and affiliates accept no responsibility for any accident, injury, or damage caused by following the information on this website, in part or in whole. We do not recommend using any chemical without first consulting the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet and following the safety advice and precautions on the product label.

Umair Javaid, PhD Student
Latest posts by Umair Javaid, PhD Student (see all)

Share this post on: