BARIUM CHLORIDE

Barium Chloride (BaCl₂) is an inorganic odorless white compound with toxic effects. It is one of the hygroscopic salts of barium. It is a water-soluble chemical compound. Relatively, it is insoluble in ethanol but soluble in methanol. One of its main characteristics is it proves to be a neutral salt meaning neither acidic nor basic. It is toxic as if swallowed or ingested, it causes irritation to mucous membrane, skin, and eyes. It can have a negative impact on the kidneys and nervous system of human beings.

Uses of Barium Chloride

• It serves as raw material in the formulation of Barium salts.
• Its application is refining oil, industrially.
• To harden the steel, it is very helpful.
• It works as a purifier for brine solutions.
• It is used in making rubber and paper.
• One of the great uses of Barium Chloride is, it is utilized in treating wool for stuffing mattresses.
• It is used in the manufacturing of white leather.
• It works as a boiler compound and reagent.
• It serves as a pesticide.

Preparation

Industrially, it is obtained from barium sulphate. At high temperature, barium sulphate converts to barium sulphide. Then treating it with hydrochloric acid results in the formation of Barium Chloride.

Chemical Properties

• It is decomposed when heated and emits toxic fumes of hydrochloric acid.
• It reacts with sulphuric acid; the result is white precipitates.
• Its vapour pressure is essentially zero and low.
• It has a bitter salty taste.
• Its index of refraction is 1.73.
• It can prove fatal if inhaled in a large amount.