BaCO3

Definition

BaCO3, or barium carbonate, is an inorganic compound that belongs to the class of carbonates. It is a white, crystalline solid that is commonly used in various industrial and chemical applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. BaCO3 is found naturally as the mineral witherite, but it is more commonly produced synthetically.
2. BaCO3 is used in the production of glass, ceramics, pigments, and as a filler in rubber and plastics.
3. BaCO3 is a key ingredient in the manufacture of barium-based fireworks, providing a characteristic green color.
4. BaCO3 is relatively insoluble in water, but it can be dissolved in acids to form barium ions and carbon dioxide.
5. BaCO3 is a thermally stable compound, decomposing into barium oxide (BaO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) at high temperatures.

Review Questions

• Explain the occurrence and preparation of BaCO3 in the context of carbonates.
  • BaCO3, or barium carbonate, is a naturally occurring mineral known as witherite, but it is more commonly produced synthetically. The preparation of BaCO3 typically involves the reaction between barium chloride (BaCl2) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), resulting in the precipitation of BaCO3. This process is an example of the general preparation methods for carbonates, where a soluble barium salt is combined with a carbonate source to form the insoluble barium carbonate.
• Describe the key properties of BaCO3 that make it useful in various industrial and chemical applications.
  • BaCO3 possesses several important properties that contribute to its widespread use. It is a thermally stable compound, decomposing into barium oxide and carbon dioxide only at high temperatures. BaCO3 is also relatively insoluble in water, allowing it to be used as a filler in rubber and plastics. Additionally, the ability of BaCO3 to be dissolved in acids and release barium ions makes it useful in the production of glass, ceramics, and pigments. The characteristic green color it imparts to fireworks is another important property that leads to its application in the pyrotechnics industry.
• Analyze the role of BaCO3 within the broader context of carbonates and their occurrence, preparation, and properties.
  • BaCO3 is a representative example of the carbonate class of compounds, which are salts or esters of carbonic acid containing the CO3^2- ion. The occurrence, preparation, and properties of BaCO3 illustrate the general trends observed in carbonates. Naturally occurring carbonates, like the mineral witherite, can be found, but synthetic preparation methods, such as the reaction between barium chloride and sodium carbonate, are more common. The thermal stability, insolubility in water, and ability to be dissolved in acids are all properties shared by many carbonates and contribute to their diverse applications. By understanding the specific case of BaCO3, one can gain insights into the broader characteristics and behaviors of the carbonate class of compounds.

Related terms

Carbonate: A salt or ester of carbonic acid, containing the CO3^2- ion.

Barium: A dense, silvery-white alkaline earth metal with the atomic number 56.

Carbonic Acid: A weak acid with the chemical formula H2CO3, formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water.