Barium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Precipitation

BaCl₂ + Na₂SO₄ → BaSO₄ + 2NaCl

Overview

Barium chloride reacts with sodium sulfate to form an insoluble white precipitate of barium sulfate and sodium chloride. This is the standard qualitative test for sulfate ions in solution. Barium sulfate is extremely insoluble, forming immediately as a dense white precipitate.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Sodium Sulfate Na₂SO₄	1	(aq)
Product	Barium Sulfate BaSO₄	1	(s)
Product	Sodium Chloride NaCl	2	(aq)

Everyday Example

This precipitation reaction is used in medical imaging, as the barium sulfate produced is the basis for barium meal X-ray contrast agents.

Industrial Importance

Used in analytical chemistry for sulfate testing, in the production of barium sulfate for medical imaging, and as a paint pigment (blanc fixe).

Properties

Type: Double Replacement
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -24.5 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Aluminum Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid (White Smoke) Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid Calcium Chloride and Sodium Carbonate Calcium Hydroxide and Carbon Dioxide (Limewater Test) Calcium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid Copper(II) Sulfate and Sodium Hydroxide Iron(III) Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide Lead Nitrate and Potassium Iodide (Golden Rain) Magnesium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid (Antacid)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Barium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Precipitation?

The balanced equation is: BaCl₂ + Na₂SO₄ → BaSO₄ + 2NaCl.

What type of reaction is Barium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Precipitation?

Barium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Precipitation is a double replacement reaction.

Is Barium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Precipitation exothermic or endothermic?

Barium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Precipitation is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -24.5 kJ/mol.