Barium Tartrate

Barium tartrate is a white crystalline solid with the chemical formula BaC4H4O6. It is also known as barium salt of tartaric acid and has a molar mass of 344.39 g/mol.

Barium tartrate is sparingly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 0.15 g/100 mL at 25°C. It is more soluble in hot water than in cold water. Barium tartrate is insoluble in ethanol.

When heated to decomposition, barium tartrate decomposes into carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and barium oxide. It is a stable compound under normal conditions and does not react with air or water.

Barium tartrate is widely used in analytical chemistry as a reagent for the detection of potassium ions. When mixed with sulfuric acid and heated, it forms a yellow precipitate of potassium tetraoxalate, which is a useful indicator for the presence of potassium ions.

In addition, barium tartrate is also used in the production of other barium compounds, such as barium carbonate and barium sulfate. It is also used in the manufacturing of ceramic materials, as a precursor for the production of barium titanate.

Barium tartrate should be handled with care, as it is a toxic substance. Inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with barium tartrate can cause irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Prolonged exposure to barium tartrate can lead to more serious health problems, such as kidney damage and heart failure.