Barium Chloride
Barium Chloride – Properties, Uses & Industrial Applications
Barium Chloride (BaCl₂) is a water-soluble inorganic barium salt supplied in anhydrous and hydrated forms. It is generally available as a white crystalline solid and has a molecular weight of 208.23 g/mol in its anhydrous form.
Barium Chloride is an important industrial chemical and laboratory reagent, particularly valued for its ability to react with sulfate ions and form insoluble Barium Sulfate (BaSO₄).
Barium Chloride is the inorganic compound with the formula BaCl2. It is one of the most common water-soluble salts of barium. Like other barium salts, it is toxic and imparts a yellow-green coloration to a flame. It is also hygroscopic.
Safety & Handling
Barium Chloride requires careful handling because soluble barium salts are toxic if ingested. Appropriate protective equipment should be used, and the product should be stored securely in accordance with its current SDS and applicable chemical-handling regulations.
Key Applications of Barium Chloride
1. Sulfate Testing
Barium Chloride is widely used as a laboratory reagent for detecting sulfate ions because the reaction produces a characteristic white precipitate of barium sulfate.
2. Industrial Water Treatment
It can be used in selected treatment processes where removal of sulfate ions is required through precipitation.
3. Brine Purification
Barium Chloride is used industrially in the purification of brine solutions associated with caustic-chlorine manufacturing.
4. Pigment Manufacturing
It is used in the manufacture of certain pigments and color lakes and as an intermediate for producing other barium compounds.
5. Metal Treatment
Barium Chloride has applications in heat-treatment salts and case hardening of steel, where controlled surface properties are required.
6. Glass and Ceramic Industries
Barium chloride and related barium compounds are used in selected glass and ceramic manufacturing processes.
7. Textile and Leather Processing
Industrial references identify applications in textile dyeing and finishing and in leather tanning and finishing.
Barium Chloride Dihydrate
The commonly encountered hydrated grade is Barium Chloride Dihydrate (BaCl₂·2H₂O), with a molecular weight of approximately 244.26 g/mol and CAS No. 10326-27-9.
When purchasing Barium Chloride, it is important to specify whether the requirement is for anhydrous Barium Chloride or Barium Chloride Dihydrate, because their molecular weights and active concentrations are different.
