Barium Oxide

Barium oxide, also known as baria, is a white or yellowish-white compound with the chemical formula BaO. It is an ionic compound composed of barium cations (Ba2+) and oxide anions (O2-). Barium oxide is highly reactive with water and readily absorbs moisture from the air, forming barium hydroxide.

Barium oxide has a high melting point of 1923°C and a boiling point of 2000°C. It is insoluble in water but soluble in acids, and it reacts with acids to form salts called barium salts. Barium oxide is commonly used as a starting material for the production of other barium compounds, such as barium carbonate and barium sulfate.

In industry, barium oxide is used as a desiccant to remove water from organic solvents and as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions. It is also used in the manufacture of glass, ceramics, and enamel, where its ability to modify the properties of these materials makes it valuable. Barium oxide is toxic if ingested or breathed in and can cause severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Therefore, appropriate safety measures should be taken when handling this compound.