Barium Nitrite

Barium nitrite is a chemical compound with the molecular formula Ba(NO2)2. It is an odorless, white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and alcohol. Barium nitrite is commonly used as a reagent in laboratory experiments and in the production of other chemicals such as barium azide, which is used in airbags.

Barium nitrite is highly reactive and can be explosive when it comes into contact with reducing agents, combustible materials or strong acids. It is important to handle this compound with care and use appropriate safety measures.

Barium nitrite has a tetragonal crystal structure and belongs to the space group P42/mnm. Its lattice parameters are a=0.6206 nm and c=0.5556 nm. The compound has two crystallographically distinct nitrogen atoms, both of which are bonded to the central barium atom. The molecule exhibits a planar geometry due to the linear arrangement of the nitrogen atoms with respect to the barium atom.

In terms of its chemical properties, barium nitrite can decompose at high temperatures to release oxygen gas and form barium oxide and nitrogen dioxide. This reaction is exothermic and can be dangerous if not properly controlled. Additionally, barium nitrite can react with sulfuric acid to form barium sulfate and nitric acid.

Overall, barium nitrite is an important chemical compound with various applications in industry and research, but it must be handled with caution due to its potentially hazardous properties.