BARIUM SULFATE
Barium sulfate is a white, opaque compound with high density and extremely low solubility, making it one of the least toxic barium salts.
Barium sulfate is widely used as a radiocontrast agent in medical imaging, as a filler in plastics and paints, and as a pigment component in products like lithopone.
Due to its chemical inertness and high reflectivity, barium sulfate is also used in coatings, X-ray shielding, and colorimetric light diffusion applications.
CAS Number: 7727-43-7
EC Number: 231-784-4
Chemical Formula: BaSO₄
Molar Mass: 233.39 g/mol
Synonyms: BARIUM SULFATE, 7727-43-7, Barite, Barytes, Barium sulphate, Barite (Ba(SO4)), Barosperse, Esophotrast, Macropaque, Micropaque, Microtrast, Radiobaryt, Radiopaque, Baritop, Barotrast, Liquipake, EntroBar, EneMark, Blanc fixe, EneCat, Enamel White, 13462-86-7, Readi-CAT, Liquid E-Z-Paque, Actybaryte, Bakontal, Baraflave, Barodense, Baroloid, Baryxine, Bayrites, Citobaryum, Colonatrast, Danobaryt, Finemeal, Intropaque, Lactobaryt, Liquibarine, Microbar, Microfanox, Neobalgin, Novopaque, Oratrast, Supramike, Suspobar, Tonopaque, Topcontral, Unibaryt, Baricon, Baridol, Barobag, Barocat, Basofor, E-Z-Paque, Eweiss, Mixobar, Neobar, Oesobar, Polibar, Raybar, Tixobar, Travad, Rugar, Barii sulphas, Baryx Colloidal, Permanent White, PrepCat, Barium Andreu, EneSet, Gastropaque-S, HiTone, Liquid Polibar, Radimix Colon, Baritogen deluxe, Baryta White, Mikabarium B, Mikabarium F, Recto Barium, Barosperse II, Micropaque RD, Radio-Baryx, Sparkle Granules, Umbrasol A, Artificial barite, Baritop P, Barium sulfuricum, Redi-Flow, Liquid Barosperse, Bar-Test, Gel-Unix, Unit-Pak, Baritop G Powder, E-Z Preparations, Esopho-CAT, Ultra-R, Veri-O-Pake, X-Opac, Barosperse 110, Sol-O-Pake, Barytes 22, Epi-C, Liquid Polibar Plus, Liquid Sol-O-Pake, Artificial heavy spar, Baritop 100, E-Z-HD, Volumen, Baryum (sulfate de), Readi-CAT 2, Spezialsorte ai, Barium 100, BaSO4, Epi-Stat 57, Epi-Stat 61, Barii sulfas, BF 10 (sulfate), TonoJug 2000, Caswell No. 071B, Tagitol V, Barium sulphate, natural, Readi-cat2, Barium sulfate (1:1), Barium sulfate (BaSO4), HD 200 Plus, E-Z-AC, E-Z-Paste esophageal cream, Esophotrast esophageal cream, Precipitated barium sulphate, CI 77120, Readi-cat2 smoothies, barium(2+);sulfate, Sulfuric acid, barium salt (1:1), BARIMITE-XF, Varibar Nectar, HSDB 5041, BA147, HD 85, SS 50, UNII-25BB7EKE2E, Sachtoperse ab-tm 18383, EINECS 231-784-4, 25BB7EKE2E, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 007502, VARIBAR, AI3-03611, Readi-Cat 2 Smoothies, C.I. 77120, Barium sulfate [USP], DTXSID0050471, CHEBI:133326, EC 231-784-4, MFCD00003455, Barytgen, Baryte, READI-CAT 2 COMPONENT BARIUM SULFATE, Barium sulfate (USP), BARIUM SULFATE (II), BARIUM SULFATE [II], BARIUM SULFATE (MART.), BARIUM SULFATE [MART.], Barium sulfate [JAN], BARIUM SULFATE (EP MONOGRAPH), BARIUM SULFATE [EP MONOGRAPH], Sulfate, Barium, BARIUM SULFATE (USP MONOGRAPH), BARIUM SULFATE [USP MONOGRAPH], Barytes (natural), Steripaque, Bario sulfato, Sulfato barico, barium-sulphate, Eweisse-Z-paque, Vanilla SilQ, NeuLumEX, Vizumax HD, Vizumax ENEM, Vanilla SilQ HD, Vanilla SilQ MD, Ba (sulfate), Baricon (TN), E-Z-Paste, EINECS 236-664-5, E-Z-Disk, PRONTOBARIO, SPARMITE, Caswell No 071B, Barium Sulfate Powder, SACHTOPERSE HP, SACHTOPERSE HU, VARIBAR HONEY, VARIBAR PUDDING, BIANCO FISSO, BARITE BA, BARITE BC, BARITE BD, BLANC FIX, HEAVY SPAR, BLANC FIXE FX, BLANC FIXE F, BLANC FIXE N, BB-MICRO SP, BLANC FIXE MICRO, BMH-D, BARIFINE BF 1L, AIRWHITE AW 5, BARIFINE BF 1, BMH (SULFATE), BLANC FIXE XR-HX, HD (SULFATE), ST (SULFATE), BARIFINE BF 21F, DIAMELIA 16, E-Z-CAT DRY, UD (FILLER), VARIBAR THIN HONEY, BARIFINE BF 10, BARIFINE BF 20, BARIFINE BF 21, BARIFINE BF 40, BLANC FIXE K 3, BARITA W 2, VARIBAR THIN LIQUID, BARIACE B 30, BARIACE B 54, MICROBAR 139, BLANC FIXE HD 80, BARYTES 290, Barium sulfate, Puratronic?, ENTERO VU 24%, A 15 (inorganic compound), BARIUM SULFATE [MI], BF 1H, BF 1L, Readi-Cat 2 Berry Smoothie, SS 50 (SULFATE), B 32 (SULFATE), B 33 (SULFATE), B 34 (SULFATE), B 54 (SULFATE), B 55 (SULFATE), CHEROKEE BARYTE 290, P 25 (SULFATE), Readi-Cat 2 Banana Smoothie, READI-CAT 2 SMOOTHIE, Barium Sulfate For Suspension, A 200 (SULFATE), Barium sulfate (JP17/USP), BARIUM SULFATE [HSDB], C 300 (SULFATE), BARIUM SULFATE [VANDF], B 20HD, BF 20P, BF 21F, BC (INORGANIC COMPOUND), SACHTOPERSE HU-N SPEZIAL, BARIUM SULFATE [WHO-DD], BARIUM SULFATE [WHO-IP], CHEMBL2105897, DTXCID0029474, Readi-Cat 2 Mochaccino Smoothie, BMH 100, PRECIPITATED BARIUM SULFATE, BF 10, BF 20, BF 21, BF 33, BF 40, C 14 (INORGANIC COMPOUND), BARII SULFAS [WHO-IP LATIN], BARIUM SULFATE [ORANGE BOOK], BM 110, L 100 (INORGANIC COMPOUND), Readi-Cat 2 Creamy Vanilla Smoothie, AKOS015902784, DB11150, A 15, B 30, B 33, B 34, B 54, B 55, C 14, C 300, NS00074386, BARIUM SULFATE COMPONENT OF READI-CAT 2, D02052, F 8660, Q309038, SR-01000944372, SR-01000944372-1, W 1
Barium sulfate is white opaque appearance and high density are used in its main applications.
Barium sulfate is one of the most important water-soluble barium salts.
Barium sulfate increases the density of the liquid.
Barium sulfate increases the hydrostatic pressure in the well.
Barium sulfate reduces the possibility of explosion.
Barium sulfate is used in the manufacture of heat treatment salts and hardening of steel.
Barium Sulfate has a variety of uses such as in the manufacture of Barium Chromate and other barium salts such as Barium Chromate.
Barium sulfate is also used to give a bright green color in fireworks.
Barium sulfate has a suspension structure.
Suspended barium sulfate is often used medically as a radiocontrast agent in X-ray imaging and other diagnostic procedures.
Barium sulfate is most often used for imaging the gastrointestinal tract during what is colloquially known as a "barium meal".
Barium sulfate is administered orally or via enema as a suspension of fine particles in a thick milk-like solution.
Barium is a heavy commodity.
Although water-soluble compounds of barium are generally highly toxic, barium sulfate is poorly soluble.
Barium sulfate protects the patient from absorbing harmful amounts of the metal.
Barium sulfate is mostly used as a component of white pigment in paints.
In oil paint, barium sulfate is almost transparent.
Barium sulfate is used as a filler or to change consistency.
The combination of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide (ZnS) is the inorganic pigment called lithopone.
Barium sulfate is used in photography as a coating for some photographic papers.
Barium sulfate is also used as a coating to distribute light evenly.
Barium sulfate is highly reflective of both visible and ultraviolet light.
They used barium sulfate as a paint component that cooled the surfaces to which it was applied.
Barium sulfate contrasts with available white dyes.
Barium sulfate is widely used as a filler in plastics to increase the density of the polymer.
Barium sulfate increases acid and alkali resistance.
Barium sulfate reduces opacity.
They are also used as X-ray shielding materials due to their improved radio opacities.
Barium sulfate is used in soil testing.
Colored indicators are used in tests for soil pH and other soil qualities.
Small particles in the soil can cloud the test mixture.
This can make Barium sulfate difficult to see the color of the indicator.
Barium sulfate added to the mixture binds to these particles, making them heavier.
Thus, Barium sulfate sinks to the bottom and leaves a clearer solution.
In colorimetry, barium sulfate is used as a near-perfect diffuser when measuring light sources.
In metal casting, molds used are often coated with barium sulfate to prevent molten metal from sticking to the mold.
Barium sulfate is also used in brake pads, anaacoustic foams, powder coatings and root canal filling.
Barium sulfate is a component of "rubber" pellets used by Chilean police.
Barium sulfate, together with silica, helps the pellet reach a hardness of 96.5 Shore A.
Barium sulfate is sensitive to excessive reduction.
Barium sulfate is used as a catalyst support in the selective hydrogenation of functional groups.
With low surface area, the contact time of the substrate with the catalyst is shortened, thus providing selectivity.
Palladium on barium sulfate is also used as a catalyst in reduction.
Barium compounds emit a characteristic green light when heated at high temperature.
Barium salts are often used in green pyrotechnic formulas.
However, nitrate and chlorate salts are more common.
Barium sulfate is commonly used as a component of "strobe" pyrotechnic compositions.
Barium sulfate is usually obtained from barite, which is quite impure.
Barite is treated by thermo-chemical sulfate reduction (TSR), also known as carbothermal reduction, to obtain barium sulfide:
BaS04 + 4 C → BaS + 4 CO
In the laboratory, barium sulfate is produced by combining solutions of barium ions and sulfate salts.
Barium sulfate is the least toxic salt of barium due to its insolubility.
Wastes containing barium salts are sometimes treated with sodium sulfate to immobilize the barium.
Barium sulfate reduces toxicity.
Barium sulfate is one of the most insoluble salts of sulfate.
Barium sulfate's low solubility is used as a test for sulfate as well as Ba2+ ions in qualitative inorganic analyses.
Barium sulfate is reduced by carbon to barium sulfide.
Barium sulfate led to the discovery of the first synthetic phosphorus.
Sulfite, unlike sulfate, is soluble in water.
Soluble salts of barium are moderately toxic to humans.
However, Barium sulfate is not toxic due to its insolubility.
The most common route of unintentional barium poisoning is from consumption of soluble barium salts mislabeled as BaSO 4.
In the Celobar incident, nine patients died due to improperly prepared radiocontrast agent.
Barium sulfate is used in the manufacture of heat treatment salts.
Barium sulfate is used in the hardening of steel, in the manufacture of pigments, lubricants, PVC stabilizers.
Barium sulfate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula BaSO4.
Barium sulfate occurs in nature as the mineral barite.
Barium sulfate is also used in various manufacturing applications and mixed into heavy concrete to serve as a radiation shield.
This drug is used as a contrast agent in diagnostic x-ray procedures.
Therapeutic advantages of barium sulfate in diagnostic procedures include both its low water solubility and high level of clearance from the body.
Barium sulfate is ingested by mouth or administered rectally and combined with granules of effervescent bicarbonate to enhance distension of the GI tract, allowing for enhanced gastrointestinal tract visualization,.
Barium sulfate is a sulfate of barium.
Barium sulfate is used as a radiocontrast agent for X-ray imaging, in pigments, and to produce green light in pyrotechnics.
Barium is a metallic alkaline earth metal with the symbol Ba, and atomic number 56.
Barium sulfate never occurs in nature in its pure form due to its reactivity with air, but combines with other chemicals such as sulfur or carbon and oxygen to form barium compounds that may be found as minerals.
Barium sulfate is a type of lubricant additive widely used in the production of various lubricating oils and greases.
Barium sulfate is obtained from the reaction of acid and barium compounds.
This compound provides lubricants with excellent detergent, dispersant and anti-rust properties.
Barium sulfate is a very important ingredient in the industrial and marine sectors.
Since barium sulfate has a high melting point and is insoluble in water, it is used as a separating material in casting copper anode plates.
Anode plates are cast into copper molds.
Therefore, a fine suspension of barium sulfate powder in water is used as a coating on the mold surface to prevent direct contact of liquid copper with the solid copper mold.
Thus, when the molten copper solidifies in the form of an anode plate, Barium sulfate can be easily separated from the mold.
Market Overview of Barium Sulfate:
Barium sulfate is a widely utilized inorganic compound with the chemical formula BaSO₄, known for its high density, chemical inertness, whiteness, and low solubility in water.
Barium sulfate is a key material across multiple industries, including oil & gas drilling, paints & coatings, plastics, rubber, medical imaging, and radiation shielding.
The global barium sulfate market has experienced steady growth in recent years and is expected to continue expanding due to its versatile application base.
Key Market Drivers:
Oil & Gas Industry:
Barium sulfate is extensively used as a weighing agent in drilling fluids (barite) to increase the density of mud and control well pressure during drilling.
This segment accounts for over 70% of the global barium sulfate consumption.
Paints & Coatings:
In the coatings sector, precipitated barium sulfate is used to improve brightness, chemical resistance, and gloss.
Barium sulfate's inertness and opacity make it a preferred extender and pigment base in industrial and automotive paints.
Plastics and Rubber:
Barium sulfate acts as a filler to improve rigidity, acid resistance, and dimensional stability, particularly in high-performance thermoplastics and rubber products.
Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications:
Barium sulfate is used in contrast media for X-ray imaging and CT scans of the gastrointestinal tract due to its radiopaque properties.
Growth in diagnostic imaging services fuels demand in this segment.
Radiation Shielding:
High-density barium sulfate is utilized in radiation-protective concrete and panels, especially in medical, nuclear, and defense applications.
Market Outlook:
The global barium sulfate market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4–5% over the next 5 years, supported by rising demand in energy, healthcare, automotive, and industrial construction sectors.
Strategic collaborations, investments in advanced processing technologies, and exploration of sustainable alternatives will play a key role in shaping market dynamics.
Uses of Barium Sulfate:
Barium sulfate is a versatile inorganic compound used across multiple industries due to its high density, chemical inertness, whiteness, and radiopacity.
One of Barium sulfate's most significant applications is in the oil and gas industry, where it serves as a weighing agent in drilling fluids to control pressure and stabilize boreholes.
In the medical field, barium sulfate is used as a radiographic contrast agent for X-ray and CT imaging of the gastrointestinal tract, thanks to its ability to absorb X-rays while being non-toxic due to its insolubility.
Barium sulfate is also widely used in the paints and coatings industry to enhance gloss, brightness, and chemical resistance, and in the plastics and rubber industries as a filler that improves strength, durability, and acid resistance.
Additionally, barium sulfate is employed in radiation shielding materials, such as concrete and panels in medical and nuclear facilities, offering a safe alternative to lead.
Other uses include applications in cosmetics for opacity and smoothness, and in paper and textiles to enhance whiteness and print quality.
Barium sulfate's broad utility and non-reactive nature make barium sulfate a valuable material in both industrial and consumer products.
Oil & Gas Industry:
Barium sulfate is used as a weighing agent in drilling fluids (commonly known as barite).
Barium sulfate helps control formation pressure, prevent blowouts, and maintain the integrity of the borehole.
Essential in both onshore and offshore drilling operations.
Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications:
Barium sulfate is used in radiographic contrast media (barium meals or barium enemas) for X-ray imaging of the gastrointestinal tract.
Owing to Barium sulfate's radiopacity, Barium sulfate absorbs X-rays effectively and outlines the stomach and intestines in diagnostic imaging.
Barium sulfate is non-toxic when ingested, as it is insoluble in water and acid.
Paints & Coatings:
Barium sulfate acts as a filler and extender in paints, offering high brightness, improved adhesion, weather resistance, and chemical inertness.
Common in automotive, marine, and industrial coatings, and in high-gloss finishes.
Plastics and Rubber Industry:
Barium sulfate is used as a functional filler to enhance rigidity, dimensional stability, and resistance to acids and alkalis.
Barium sulfate improves surface smoothness and reduces shrinkage in thermoplastics and elastomers.
Paper and Textile Industry
Barium sulfate provides whiteness, smoothness, and opacity to papers and specialty textiles.
Barium sulfate is occasionally used as a coating agent in photographic and inkjet paper.
Radiation Shielding:
High-density barium sulfate is incorporated into cement, bricks, panels, and walls in X-ray rooms, nuclear facilities, and radiology labs to block radiation.
Lightweight and non-toxic alternative to lead-based shielding.
Cosmetics:
Barium sulfate is used in face powders and other cosmetic formulations to provide opacity, matte effect, and smooth texture.
Chemically inert and safe for topical application.
Food Industry (Limited Use):
Barium sulfate approved in some regions as a food additive (E171/E555) in small amounts to provide whitening or bulking effects.
Barium sulfate is rarely used and strictly regulated.
Features of Barium Sulfate:
Barium sulfate is known for its exceptional physical and chemical properties that make it ideal for a wide range of industrial and medical applications.
Barium sulfate is a white crystalline solid that is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with most acids, bases, or solvents.
One of Barium sulfate's most defining features is its high density (approximately 4.5 g/cm³), which makes it especially valuable in applications requiring weight or shielding, such as in drilling muds and radiation protection materials.
Barium sulfate is also highly insoluble in water, which contributes to its non-toxic nature when used internally in medical imaging as a contrast agent.
Barium sulfate's excellent opacity, whiteness, and fine particle size make it a preferred extender or filler in paints, coatings, plastics, and rubber to improve brightness, consistency, and mechanical strength.
Additionally, Barium sulfate offers thermal stability, UV resistance, and low oil absorption, making it suitable for demanding environments and long-lasting applications.
These features collectively contribute to barium sulfate’s value as a multifunctional material across numerous sectors.
Production of Barium Sulfate:
Barium sulfate is produced either naturally from the mineral barite (also known as baryte) or synthetically through chemical precipitation.
The natural production method involves mining high-purity barite ores, which are then crushed, washed, and milled to obtain the desired particle size.
These raw materials undergo further purification to remove impurities such as iron, silica, or calcium.
The synthetic route, known as precipitated barium sulfate, is achieved by reacting a soluble barium salt (such as barium chloride, BaCl₂) with a sulfate salt (typically sulfuric acid or sodium sulfate, H₂SO₄ or Na₂SO₄) in an aqueous solution:
BaCl2+H2SO4→BaSO4↓+2HCl
This reaction yields an ultra-fine, high-purity white precipitate of barium sulfate, which is then filtered, washed, and dried.
Precipitated barium sulfate is preferred for applications requiring precise control over particle size, brightness, and purity, such as in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and high-performance coatings.
Both production methods require strict quality control to ensure low levels of heavy metals and contaminants, especially for food-grade or medical use.
Increasingly, industries are adopting environmentally sustainable practices, such as closed-loop water systems and low-emission processing, to minimize the environmental impact of barium sulfate production.
Synthesis of Barium Sulfate:
Barium sulfate can be synthesized through a straightforward precipitation reaction between a soluble barium salt and a soluble sulfate salt in aqueous solution.
The most commonly used synthesis route involves the reaction of barium chloride (BaCl₂) with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) or sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄).
When these reactants are mixed, an insoluble white precipitate of barium sulfate forms immediately, following the reaction:
Ba2+ (aq)+SO42-(aq)→BaSO4(s)
This reaction is highly efficient and quantitative, making it ideal for producing precipitated barium sulfate with a controlled particle size and high purity.
The resulting BaSO₄ is filtered, washed to remove byproducts (like NaCl or HCl), and then dried.
The purity and fine particle size of synthetically produced barium sulfate make it especially suitable for applications in medical imaging, high-grade coatings, and cosmetics, where consistency and inertness are critical.
The synthesis is also employed as a classic qualitative test for the presence of sulfate ions in analytical chemistry due to the distinctive white, crystalline precipitate formed.
History of Barium Sulfate:
The history of barium sulfate dates back to ancient times, with its natural mineral form, barite (or baryte), being known and utilized for centuries.
The name "barite" comes from the Greek word barys, meaning "heavy," referring to its high specific gravity—one of its most distinctive physical properties.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, barite began gaining scientific attention as chemists explored mineral properties and composition more systematically.
Barium sulfate was first identified as a sulfate of a new “heavy” earth metal, which later led to the discovery of the element barium by Sir Humphry Davy in 1808.
Industrial use of barium sulfate grew significantly in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly with the rise of the oil and gas industry, where barite became essential as a weighing agent in drilling muds.
Around the same time, precipitated barium sulfate was developed for paints, coatings, and medical imaging, offering higher purity and controlled particle size.
In medicine, Barium sulfate's radiopacity made it invaluable in X-ray diagnostics, starting in the early 1900s.
Today, barium sulfate remains a critical material in diverse industries including energy, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing, and continues to be a subject of innovation in materials science and environmental engineering.
Handling and Storage of Barium Sulfate:
Handling:
Avoid generation and inhalation of dust.
Use in a well-ventilated area or under local exhaust ventilation.
Do not ingest or allow contact with eyes or mucous membranes.
Practice good industrial hygiene: wash hands after handling and avoid eating or drinking in the work area.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials.
Keep container tightly closed and labeled.
Avoid storing near acids that may react with impurities and release gases.
Reactivity and Stability of Barium Sulfate:
Chemical Stability:
Stable under normal conditions of use and storage.
Incompatible Materials:
Strong acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid) — may release toxic hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas if BaSO₄ is impure.
Avoid mixing with strong reducing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
None under normal conditions.
At very high temperatures, sulfur oxides (SO₂, SO₃) may form.
First Aid Measures of Barium Sulfate:
Inhalation:
Remove the person to fresh air.
Seek medical attention if irritation or coughing persists.
Skin Contact:
Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Get medical attention if irritation occurs.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing.
Seek medical help if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Barium sulfate is non-toxic in its insoluble form, but seek medical advice if large quantities are ingested.
Firefighting Measures of Barium Sulfate:
Flammability:
Barium sulfate is non-flammable and non-combustible.
Suitable Extinguishing Media:
Use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding fire (e.g., water spray, foam, CO₂, dry chemical).
Hazards from Fire:
No significant thermal decomposition products under normal conditions.
Protective Equipment:
Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear when exposed to dust and combustion byproducts.
Accidental Release Measures of Barium Sulfate:
Personal Precautions:
Avoid dust formation.
Use personal protective equipment.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Environmental Precautions:
Prevent spillage into drains, soil, or waterways.
While BaSO₄ is low in toxicity, controlling dust is environmentally responsible.
Clean-up Procedures:
Sweep or vacuum material carefully to avoid dust generation.
Collect and place in labeled containers for reuse or disposal according to local regulations.
Avoid creating airborne dust during cleanup.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of Barium Sulfate:
Engineering Controls:
Use local exhaust or general dilution ventilation to control dust levels.
Enclosed systems or dust extraction recommended for bulk handling.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Eye Protection:
Safety goggles or face shield
Skin Protection:
Protective gloves (nitrile, PVC) and clothing
Respiratory Protection:
Dust mask (P2 or N95) or approved respirator
Hygiene Measures:
Wash thoroughly after handling
Identifiers of Barium Sulfate:
Chemical Formula: BaSO₄
Molar Mass: 233.39 g/mol
CAS Number: 7727-43-7
EC Number: 231-784-4
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous under UN transport regulations
PubChem CID: 24414
ChemSpider ID: 22859
SMILES: [Ba+2].[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-]
InChI: InChI=1S/Ba.H2O4S/c;1-5(2,3)4/h;(H2,1,2,3,4)/q+2;/p-2
InChI Key: XFVVJISRMUWZPM-UHFFFAOYSA-L
HS Code: 28332700
CAS Number: 7727-43-7
EC Number (EINECS): 231-784-4
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport
PubChem CID: 24414
ChemSpider ID: 22859
RTECS Number: CR0500000
Beilstein Reference: 3586208
NSC Number: 147232
SMILES: [Ba+2].[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-]
InChI: InChI=1S/Ba.H2O4S/c;1-5(2,3)4/h;(H2,1,2,3,4)/q+2;/p-2
InChI Key: XFVVJISRMUWZPM-UHFFFAOYSA-L
Properties of Barium Sulfate:
Chemical Formula: BaSO₄
Molecular Weight: 233.39 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline powder or orthorhombic crystals
Odor: Odorless
Density: ~4.5 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Melting Point: ~1580 °C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Refractive Index: ~1.637
Mohs Hardness: 3–3.5 (on barite mineral scale)
Solubility:
Water: Very low (~0.000244 g/100 mL at 25°C)
Alcohol: Insoluble
Acid/Base: Insoluble in most acids and bases
Solubility Note: Soluble in hot concentrated sulfuric acid
Chemical Name: Barium Sulfate
Molecular Formula: BaSO₄
Molar Mass: 233.39 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline powder or colorless orthorhombic crystals
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Tasteless
Color Index: CI Pigment White 22
Specific Gravity / Density: 4.48 – 4.5 g/cm³
Bulk Density (powdered): 0.8 – 1.3 g/cm³ (varies with granule size)
Melting Point: ~1580 °C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Specifications of Barium Sulfate:
Purity (BaSO₄ Content): ≥ 98.0% – 99.5%
Whiteness (R457): ≥ 95.0%
Specific Gravity: 4.4 – 4.5 g/cm³
Oil Absorption: ≤ 10 g/100 g
Water Soluble Matter: ≤ 0.2%
pH (10% aqueous slurry): 6.5 – 8.5
Moisture Content (Loss on Drying): ≤ 0.2% – 0.5%
Residue on 325 Mesh (45 μm): ≤ 0.005% – 0.01%
Iron (Fe): ≤ 50 ppm
Chlorides (Cl⁻): ≤ 0.05%
Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤ 10 ppm
Conductivity (in 10% slurry): ≤ 200 μS/cm
Refractive Index: ~1.637
Solubility in Water: ~0.000244 g/100 mL
Bulk Density: ~0.8 – 1.3 g/cm³
Melting Point: ~1580 °C
