Decomposition of Barium Peroxide

2BaO2 → 2BaO + O2

Overview

Barium peroxide decomposes when heated above 700 C to form barium oxide and oxygen gas. This reversible reaction was historically used in the Brin process for commercial oxygen production before the development of air liquefaction. Barium peroxide absorbs oxygen at ~500 C and releases it at ~700 C.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Product Oxygen O 1 (g)
Product Barium Oxide BaO 2 (s)

Everyday Example

Before modern air separation, barium peroxide cycling was one of the few ways to produce pure oxygen commercially.

Industrial Importance

While the Brin process is obsolete, barium peroxide is still used in pyrotechnics as an oxidizer and in chemical oxygen generators for emergency oxygen systems.

Properties

Type
Decomposition
Reversible
Yes
Energy
Endothermic
ΔH
80.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Cracking of Octane (Thermal Cracking) Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate Decomposition of Calcium Carbonate (Calcination) Decomposition of Calcium Hypochlorite Decomposition of Carbonic Acid Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition of Iron(II,III) Oxide (Direct Reduction) Decomposition of Nitroglycerin Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Decomposition of Ozone

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Decomposition of Barium Peroxide?
The balanced equation is: 2BaO₂ → 2BaO + O₂.
What type of reaction is Decomposition of Barium Peroxide?
Decomposition of Barium Peroxide is a decomposition reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Decomposition of Barium Peroxide exothermic or endothermic?
Decomposition of Barium Peroxide is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 80.0 kJ/mol.