Barium Hydride

Barium hydride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula BaH2. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly reactive and can spontaneously ignite when exposed to air or moisture. Barium hydride can be prepared by reacting barium metal with hydrogen gas at high temperatures or pressures.

Barium hydride has a tetragonal crystal structure, with each barium ion surrounded by eight hydride ions in a cubic arrangement. The hydride ions are covalently bonded to the barium ions, and the compound has a high melting point of 1550°C.

Barium hydride is used as a reducing agent in organic synthesis reactions and as a source of hydrogen gas in laboratory experiments. It can also be used as a desiccant, as it reacts readily with water vapor to form barium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

When handling barium hydride, it is important to use proper safety precautions due to its reactivity and potential for ignition. It should be kept away from moisture and oxidizing agents and stored in a tightly sealed container. If ingested or inhaled, it can cause serious health effects and medical attention should be sought immediately.