Barium Formate

Barium formate is a chemical compound with the formula Ba(HCOO)2. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and ethanol. Barium formate is commonly used as a feedstock for the production of other barium compounds, such as barium oxide.

Barium formate's crystal structure is monoclinic, meaning it has a single axis of symmetry and an oblique angle between two axes. Its unit cell contains one formula unit, and each unit consists of a central Ba2+ ion coordinated to six oxygen atoms from four formate (HCOO-) anions. The remaining two oxygen atoms are bonded to hydrogen atoms of adjacent anions.

The molar mass of barium formate is 261.34 g/mol, and its density is approximately 2.54 g/cm3. It has a melting point of 500-550 °C and can decompose when heated to temperatures above 600 °C.

Barium formate has various applications in industries, including oil drilling, textile dyeing, and pharmaceuticals. In oil drilling, it is used as a weighting agent, while in textiles, it acts as a mordant in dyeing processes. It can also be used in the preparation of barium titanate, a ferroelectric material, which has applications in electronic devices.

It is important to handle barium formate with care due to its toxicity. It can cause gastrointestinal irritation, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrhythmia if ingested. Protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, should be worn when handling this compound.