Barium hydroxide is a chemical compound with the formula Ba(OH)2. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and commonly used in laboratories and industrial processes.
| IUPAC Name | Barium dihydroxide |
| Molecular Formula | Ba(OH)2 |
| CAS Number | 17194-00-2 |
| Synonyms | Barium(II) hydroxide, Baryta, Barium hydrate, Barium dihydrate, Barium bis(hydroxide), Barium bis(oxidanyl)hydrate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/Ba.2H2O/h;2*1H2/q+2;;/p-2 |
Barium hydroxide molar mass
Barium hydroxide has a molar mass of 171.34 g/mol. It is composed of one barium ion (Ba2+) and two hydroxide ions (OH-), each with a molar mass of 137.33 g/mol and 17.01 g/mol, respectively. The molar mass of barium hydroxide is important for determining the amount of the compound needed in reactions or when calculating the concentration of a solution.
Barium hydroxide formula
The chemical formula of barium hydroxide is Ba(OH)2. It consists of one barium ion (Ba2+) and two hydroxide ions (OH-). The formula of barium hydroxide is important for determining the amount of the compound needed in reactions or when calculating the concentration of a solution. It is also used to represent the structure of the compound and its behavior in solution.
Ba(OH)2 boiling point
The boiling point of Ba(OH)2 is not well-defined, as it decomposes before boiling. Ba(OH)2 is a strong base and reacts readily with carbon dioxide in the air, forming barium carbonate and water. The decomposition temperature of Ba(OH)2 depends on the concentration of the solution, but is generally above 780°C.
Ba(OH)2 melting point
Ba(OH)2 has a melting point of 407°C. It exists in the solid state as white, odorless crystals. When heated, Ba(OH)2 undergoes a reversible reaction to form barium oxide and water. The melting point of Ba(OH)2 is important for determining the temperature at which it can be safely handled and stored.
Ba(OH)2 density g/ml
The density of solid Ba(OH)2 is 3.22 g/cm3. In solution, the density varies depending on the concentration. For example, a 10% solution of Ba(OH)2 has a density of 1.17 g/cm3. The density of Ba(OH)2 is important for determining the volume of a solution needed in reactions or when handling the compound.
Ba(OH)2 molecular weight
The molecular weight of Ba(OH)2 is 171.34 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic weights of one barium ion and two hydroxide ions. The molecular weight of Ba(OH)2 is important for determining the amount of the compound needed in reactions or when calculating the concentration of a solution.
Ba(OH)2 structure
Ba(OH)2 has a crystal structure that is similar to that of sodium chloride. It consists of Ba2+ ions and OH- ions, which are arranged in a cubic lattice. The Ba2+ ions occupy the corners of the cube and the OH- ions occupy the center of each face. The structure of Ba(OH)2 is important for understanding its chemical properties and behavior in solution.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 3.22 g/cm3 (solid) |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 171.34 g/mol |
| Density | 2.18 g/cm3 (aqueous solution, 10% w/w at 25°C) |
| Melting Point | 407°C |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and acetone |
| Vapour Pressure | Negligible |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Alkaline (pH > 7) |
Note: The values provided in this table are general descriptions and may vary depending on the specific conditions and concentrations of the substance.
Barium hydroxide Safety and Hazards
Ba(OH)2 is a highly caustic and toxic substance that can cause severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. It is important to handle it with caution and wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety goggles. If inhaled or ingested, it can cause serious harm to the lungs, digestive system, and kidneys. It should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials such as acids and oxidizers. In case of a spill or exposure, follow the appropriate emergency procedures, such as evacuating the area and seeking medical attention immediately.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive |
| Safety Description | Avoid contact with skin and eyes; Wear protective clothing and gloves; Use only in well-ventilated areas |
| UN Ids | UN 1564 |
| HS Code | 2816.40.00 |
| Hazard Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption; Causes severe skin and eye irritation; May cause respiratory tract irritation and kidney damage |
Barium hydroxide Synthesis Methods
Ba(OH)2 can be synthesized through several methods, including the reaction of barium oxide (BaO) with water (H2O) or the reaction of barium chloride (BaCl2) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
In the first method, barium oxide is slowly added to distilled water with constant stirring until the desired concentration is achieved. The resulting solution is then filtered and dried to obtain the solid form of Ba(OH)2.
In the second method, a solution of barium chloride is slowly added to a solution of sodium hydroxide with constant stirring until the desired pH is achieved. The resulting solution is then filtered and dried to obtain the solid form of Ba(OH)2.
Another method involves the reaction of barium sulfide (BaS) with water, producing Ba(OH)2 and hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S).
Ba(OH)2 can also be prepared by the electrolysis of molten barium salts or by the thermal decomposition of barium carbonate (BaCO3) at high temperatures.
Overall, the synthesis of Ba(OH)2 requires careful handling and proper safety precautions due to its highly caustic and toxic properties. It is important to follow appropriate safety protocols and regulations when working with hazardous materials.
Barium hydroxide Uses
Ba(OH)2 has several industrial and laboratory uses due to its highly reactive nature and alkaline properties. One of its main uses is as a chemical reagent in the production of various chemicals, including lubricants, plastics, and pesticides.
Ba(OH)2 is also used as a stabilizer in PVC and other plastics to prevent discoloration and degradation caused by heat and UV light exposure. It is also used in the production of certain types of glass, such as optical glass and high-refractive-index glass.
In the laboratory, Ba(OH)2 is used as a catalyst in various organic reactions, such as esterification and transesterification reactions. It is also used as a titrant in analytical chemistry for the determination of weak acids and in the preparation of standard solutions.
Another application of Ba(OH)2 is in the production of barium oxide, which is used in the manufacture of cathode ray tubes for televisions and computer monitors.
Ba(OH)2 is also used in the treatment of industrial wastewater to remove impurities and neutralize acidic or alkaline effluents before discharge into the environment.
Overall, Ba(OH)2 plays a critical role in many industries and laboratory settings, contributing to the production of numerous products and processes.
Questions:
Is barium hydroxide soluble?
Yes, barium hydroxide is soluble in water. When dissolved in water, it forms an alkaline solution that has a pH of around 12.5. The solubility of Ba(OH)2 in water is relatively high, with a solubility of approximately 3.52 g/100 mL at room temperature (25°C). The solubility of Ba(OH)2 can be affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of other substances in the solution.
Is barium hydroxide a strong base?
Yes, barium hydroxide is a strong base. When dissolved in water, it dissociates completely to form barium ions (Ba2+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) in the solution. This dissociation produces a highly alkaline solution with a pH of around 12.5. The strong basic properties of Ba(OH)2 make it an effective neutralizer of acidic effluents and a catalyst in various organic reactions.
What is the formula for barium hydroxide?
The formula for barium hydroxide is Ba(OH)2. This formula indicates that each molecule of barium hydroxide contains one barium ion (Ba2+) and two hydroxide ions (OH-). The barium ion has a +2 charge, while the hydroxide ion has a -1 charge. The two hydroxide ions in Ba(OH)2 balance out the +2 charge of the barium ion to create a neutral compound. The formula for Ba(OH)2 is important in understanding its properties and reactions, as well as in calculating its molar mass and other physico-chemical properties.