Barium sulfate
Encyclopedia : B : BA : BAR : Barium sulfate
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| Barium Sulfate | |
| CAS number [7727-43-7] | ATC code V08BA01 |
| Chemical formula | BaSO4 |
| Molecular weight | 233.43 |
| Specific gravity | 4.5 |
| Bioavailability | negligible orally |
| Melting point | 1580°C |
| Density | 4.5 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | 0.00115 g/L (18°C) |
| RTECS number | CR0600000 |
Uses
Radiocontrast agent
Barium sulfate is frequently used clinically as a radiocontrast agent for X-ray imaging and other diagnostic procedures. It is most often used in imaging of the GI tract during what is colloquially known as a 'Barium meal'.It is administered, orally or by enema, as a suspension of fine particles in an aqueous solution (often with sweetening agents added). Although barium is a heavy metal, and its water soluble compounds are often highly toxic, the extremely low solubility of barium sulfate protects the patient from absorbing harmful amounts of the metal. Barium sulfate is also readily removed from the body, unlike Thorotrast, which it replaced. The compound works due to barium's relatively high atomic number (Z = 56), since large nuclei absorb X-rays much better than smaller nuclei.
Pigment
Barium sulfate mixtures are used as white pigment for paints, when combined with zinc oxide (ZnO) it is called lithopone, when combined with sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) it is called blanc fixe. It replaced white lead due to the latter's toxicity.Pyrotechnics
Barium sulfate is also used as a high temperature oxidizer in certain pyrotechnic formulas, as it produces a green colored light while it burns. Barium nitrate is more common in green pyrotechnic formulas, as it is a more amiable oxidizer while still producing green colored light.Other uses
Barium sulfate is used as a filler in plastics and as a component of oil well drilling fluid to increase the density.External sources
- For a full list of external links to MSDSs, spectroscopic data, commercial chemicals suppliers etc. for this compound, see [Chemical sources].
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