Barium Sulphate (BaSO4) is an inorganic compound that is commonly used in a wide range of applications. It is composed of a barium cation and the sulphate anion, where the sulphur is attached to four oxygen atoms. BaSO4 is a sulphate salt of barium and is found as the mineral barite. This article explores the properties, what type of salt is BaSO4, and the various uses of this compound.

Properties of Barium Sulphate – BaSO4

BaSO4 has a molecular weight of 233.38 g/mol and a density of 4.5 g/cm³. The boiling point of BaSO4 is 1,600 °C, and its melting point is 1,580 °C. BaSO4 is a crystalline solid white which is insoluble in water and alcohol but soluble in concentrated acids. It is odourless and is an alkaline, divalent metal. It is non-toxic and safe for medical use.

Barium Sulphate Structure (BaSO4 Structure)

BaSO4 has a crystal structure that belongs to the orthorhombic system. The crystal lattice structure of BaSO4 consists of barium cations and sulphate anions, where the barium cations are surrounded by eight sulphate anions in a distorted cubic close packing arrangement. The sulphate anions are connected to four barium cations, and each barium cation is connected to two sulphate anions.

Barium Sulphate (BaSO4) Uses

1. Coating Material for Copper Anode Plates BaSO4 is used in the casting of copper anode plates as a coating material. This is because of its excellent physical and chemical properties, including its high density, inertness, and low cost.
2. Radiopaque Agent BaSO4 is used as a radiopaque agent in medical imaging. When it is ingested or injected, it absorbs X-rays and provides a clear image of the gastrointestinal tract, which can be used to diagnose certain disorders of the intestines, stomach, or oesophagus.
3. The component in Oil Well Drilling Fluids BaSO4 is used as a component in oil well drilling fluids. It is added to the drilling fluid to increase its density, which helps to keep the boreholes free of rock.
4. Filler for Plastics BaSO4 is used to increase the density of the polymer by acting as a filler for plastics. It also improves the mechanical properties of the plastic, such as its stiffness and impact resistance.
5. Soil pH Testing BaSO4 is used to test the pH of the soil. It is mixed with a small sample of soil, and the mixture is treated with a strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid. The acid reacts with the BaSO4 to release barium ions, which can be detected using a spectrophotometer.
6. Filler or Modifier for Oil Paints BaSO4 is used as a filler or to modify the consistency in oil paints. It helps to create a smooth texture and improves the adhesion of the paint to the surface.
7. Manufacturing of Alloys BaSO4 is used in the manufacturing of alloys. It is added to the alloy to improve its strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance.

Q1: What are the side effects of barium sulphate?

A: Common side effects can include minor cramps in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, loose stools, or moderate constipation. Extreme cramping, diarrhoea, or constipation; ringing in the ears; sweating, anxiety, rapid heart rate; or light skin, grey eyes, and fatigue can also occur.

Q2: Is barium sulphide soluble in water?

A: Barium sulphide is soluble in water, and most metal sulphate compounds are also readily soluble in water, unlike fluorides and oxides which appear to be insoluble.

Q3: Is barium sulphate soluble in hexane?

A: Barium sulphate is not soluble in hexane, which is a hydrocarbon liquid.

Q4: How do you make barium sulphate?

A: Barium sulphate is prepared by reacting sodium sulphate with barium chloride, which forms a precipitate of barium sulphate.

Q5: Is barium sulphate an acid or a base?

A: Barium sulphate is neither an acid nor a base. It is a salt that is formed by the reaction of a base (barium hydroxide) with an acid (sulphuric acid).

Barium sulfate has many industrial, medical, and artistic applications due to its unique properties. It is an insoluble, non-toxic compound that can be used as a radiopaque agent, a filler for plastics, a component in oil well drilling fluids, and more. Its high density also makes it useful for diagnostic imaging of the gastrointestinal tract during barium meals. Barium sulfate is also used in the production of green pyrotechnic formulas and is often encountered in consumer products such as paints.