Barium Sulfate Precipitation
BaCl2 + Na2SO4 → BaSO4↓ + 2NaCl
Overview
Barium chloride reacts with sodium sulfate to form an extremely insoluble white precipitate of barium sulfate (Ksp = 1.1 × 10⁻¹⁰). BaSO₄ is so insoluble that it is safe to ingest for medical imaging despite barium's toxicity. The precipitate forms instantly as a dense, finely divided white solid.
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
Barium sulfate is the white liquid (barium meal) patients drink before gastrointestinal X-rays to make the digestive tract visible.
Industrial Importance
BaSO₄ is used as a radiocontrast agent, as a white pigment (blanc fixe) in paints, in oil well drilling mud, and as a filler in plastics and paper.
Properties
- Type
- Precipitation
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -24.5 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aluminum Hydroxide Precipitation
Barium Carbonate Precipitation
Cadmium Sulfide Precipitation (Yellow)
Calcium Carbonate Precipitation
Calcium Fluoride Precipitation (Fluorite)
Calcium Oxalate Precipitation (Kidney Stones)
Calcium Phosphate Precipitation (Bone Mineral)
Calcium Sulfate Precipitation (Gypsum)
Chromium(III) Hydroxide Precipitation
Cobalt(II) Hydroxide Precipitation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Barium Sulfate Precipitation?
The balanced equation is: BaCl₂ + Na₂SO₄ → BaSO₄↓ + 2NaCl.
What type of reaction is Barium Sulfate Precipitation?
Barium Sulfate Precipitation is a precipitation reaction.
Is Barium Sulfate Precipitation exothermic or endothermic?
Barium Sulfate Precipitation is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -24.5 kJ/mol.