The equation BaSO4 + BaCl2 -> 2BaCl2 + SO4

Detailed information about the equation BaSO₄ + BaCl₂ -> 2BaCl₂ + SO₄

• BaSO₄ is the compound Barium sulfate, in solid form.
• BaCl₂ is the compound Barium chloride, which typically exists as white crystals.
• The reaction produces 2 molecules of BaCl₂ and one sulfate ion (SO₄^2-).

Reaction conditions

• This reaction does not actually occur because the sulfate ion (SO₄^2-) cannot exist separately in solution. If it were created, it would quickly combine with other ions to form different compounds. This means that the reaction as recorded cannot happen in the way it has been written.
• However, if we view this as a substitution reaction where the sulfate ion in BaSO₄ is replaced by the chloride ion from BaCl₂ to form a new compound, then the reaction conditions would be at room temperature and standard pressure, in a water solution.

Reaction process

• As stated above, this reaction cannot occur in the way it has been written. But if we consider it as a substitution reaction, the reaction process will start with BaSO₄ and BaCl₂ dissolving in water to form separate ions. After that, the sulfate ion in BaSO₄ will be replaced by the chloride ion from BaCl₂, creating a new compound.

Phenomenon occurring

• As also mentioned above, this reaction can’t occur as written. But if treated as a substitution reaction, you would see the solution become cloudy as the sulfate ion is replaced by the chloride ion because the newly formed compound, Barium sulfate, is insoluble in water.