What is BaSO4? Important knowledge about BaSO4.

1. Definition of BaSO₄

BaSO₄, also known as barium sulfate, barite or baryte, is a chemical compound, belonging to the sulfate group, usually appears as an odorless white powder. The BaSO₄ molecule consists of one barium atom (Ba), one sulfur atom (S), and four oxygen atoms (O). The atomic weight of BaSO₄ is 233.38 u. In the structure of the BaSO₄ molecule, the Ba₂+ ion and the SO₄ 2- ion combine with each other through ionic bonding to form the BaSO₄ molecule.

2. Properties of BaSO₄

2.1 Physical properties of BaSO₄: BaSO₄ is solid at room temperature, white, odorless, and insoluble in water. The pH of the BaSO₄ solution is 7, which is neutral.

2.2 Chemical properties of BaSO₄: BaSO₄ does not react with strong acids such as sulfuric acid due to its insolubility in acidic environments.

3. Common chemical equation of BaSO₄: BaSO₄ does not frequently appear in chemical reactions due to its insolubility and high stability.

4. Preparation of BaSO₄:

4.1 Laboratory preparation of BaSO₄: BaSO₄ can be prepared in the laboratory through the reaction of barium chloride (BaCl₂) with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) or sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄).

4.2 Industrial preparation of BaSO₄: In industry, BaSO₄ is prepared from barite ore, by melting with carbon to obtain barium sulfide (BaS), and then oxidizing to form BaSO₄.