Barium Oxalate

Barium oxalate is a chemical compound with the formula BaC2O4. It is a white crystalline solid that is insoluble in water and ethanol but soluble in acids. Barium oxalate is used as a laboratory reagent, as well as in pyrotechnics and as a photographic developer.

Barium oxalate can be prepared by reacting barium chloride with sodium oxalate:

BaCl2 + Na2C2O4 → BaC2O4↓ + 2NaCl

The resulting precipitate of barium oxalate can be filtered and washed to yield the pure product.

Barium oxalate has a molar mass of 225.39 g/mol and a density of 2.664 g/cm³. It has a melting point of around 300°C and decomposes at higher temperatures. When heated, barium oxalate releases carbon dioxide gas and leaves behind barium carbonate:

BaC2O4 → BaCO3 + CO2↑

Barium oxalate is toxic if ingested or inhaled and can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. As such, it should be handled with care and disposed of properly in accordance with local regulations.