Barium Sulfate

Definition

Barium sulfate is a chemical compound with the formula BaSO₄, consisting of barium and sulfate ions. It is an important inorganic compound known for its low solubility in water, making it valuable in various applications, particularly in precipitation reactions and as a radiocontrast agent in medical imaging. Its limited solubility means that it can precipitate from solutions, leading to significant implications in chemical equilibria and the common ion effect.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Barium sulfate is used extensively in medical imaging as a contrast agent due to its high opacity to X-rays, helping to visualize the gastrointestinal tract.
2. The low solubility of barium sulfate means that it can effectively precipitate out of solution when barium or sulfate ions are introduced from another source.
3. In the presence of a common ion, such as sulfate from another source, the solubility of barium sulfate decreases significantly, demonstrating the common ion effect.
4. Barium sulfate is often synthesized through a precipitation reaction involving barium chloride and sodium sulfate, where the resulting BaSO₄ forms as a solid precipitate.
5. Due to its non-toxic nature and stability, barium sulfate is also used as a filler in various applications, including paints and plastics.

Review Questions

• How does the common ion effect influence the solubility of barium sulfate in different solutions?
  • The common ion effect plays a significant role in reducing the solubility of barium sulfate when additional sulfate ions are present in a solution. When sulfate ions are added, they shift the equilibrium according to Le Chatelier's principle, favoring the formation of solid barium sulfate and thereby decreasing its concentration in the solution. This demonstrates how existing ions can impact the solubility of sparingly soluble salts like barium sulfate.
• Discuss the significance of precipitation reactions involving barium sulfate and their applications in laboratory settings.
  • Precipitation reactions involving barium sulfate are crucial in laboratory settings for various purposes, including qualitative analysis and waste treatment. When barium ions react with sulfate ions, they form a white precipitate of barium sulfate, which can be easily separated from solution. This characteristic makes it useful for identifying sulfate ions in unknown samples and is also applied in removing harmful substances from wastewater by precipitating them as insoluble compounds.
• Evaluate how understanding the properties of barium sulfate contributes to advancements in medical imaging technologies.
  • Understanding the properties of barium sulfate has significantly advanced medical imaging technologies, particularly in gastrointestinal studies. Its high atomic number provides excellent contrast on X-ray images, allowing for clearer visualization of digestive organs. Furthermore, knowledge about its low solubility helps ensure that it remains in suspension during imaging procedures, minimizing potential health risks associated with solubility and absorption. Thus, these insights lead to safer and more effective diagnostic practices in medicine.

Related terms

Solubility Product (Ksp):

The equilibrium constant for the solubility of a sparingly soluble salt, representing the product of the concentrations of its ions at saturation.

Common Ion Effect: The phenomenon where the solubility of a salt decreases in a solution that already contains one of the ions present in the salt.

Precipitation Reaction: A type of chemical reaction in which two soluble salts react to form an insoluble solid, known as a precipitate.