Barium Nitrate Formula, Molar Mass, Solubility and Properties

Barium nitrate is a white, crystalline inorganic compound. It is a salt commonly used in pyrotechnics as well as other barium compounds, glass manufacturing, and in the production of ceramic glazes. 

It is also used as an oxidizer in explosives and in the production of barium oxide, which is used in the production of cathode ray tubes for televisions and computer monitors. Barium nitrate is toxic if ingested or inhaled.

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Barium Nitrate Formula 

The chemical formula for barium nitrate is Ba(NO3)2. Its formula consists of one barium ion (Ba2+) and two nitrate ions (NO3-) per molecule of nitrate.

The Ba2+ ion has a charge of +2 and the NO3- ion has a charge of -1. To balance the charges and form a neutral compound, two NO3- ions are needed for every Ba2+ ion. This gives the chemical formula Ba(NO3)2.

Barium Nitrate Molar Mass

The molar mass of barium nitrate (Ba(NO3)2) is calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements, taking into account the number of atoms of each element in its molecule.

The atomic masses of the elements in barium nitrate are.

Barium (Ba) = 137.33 g/mol 

Nitrogen (N) = 14.01 g/mol 

Oxygen (O) = 16.00 g/mol

On calculating the molar mass of barium nitrate.

Molar mass of Ba(NO3)2 = (1 x 137.33) + (2 x 14.01) + (6 x 16.00) 

= 261.34 g/mol

The molar mass of barium nitrate is 261.34 g/mol.

Barium Nitrate Properties 

The physical and chemical properties of barium nitrate are as follows:

Physical properties: 

It is a white-colored crystalline solid. 

Its density is 3.24 g/cm³. 

Its melting point is 592 °C. 

Barium nitrate is slightly soluble in ethanol and highly soluble in water.

Chemical properties: 

It can be used as an oxidizer in fireworks and other pyrotechnic applications.

It is an oxidizing agent On heating, barium nitrate decomposes into barium oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen. 

Barium nitrate reacts with sulfuric acid to form barium sulfate and nitric acid. 

It reacts with barium carbonate and metal nitrate to form alkali metal carbonates.

Toxicity of Barium Nitrate: 

Barium nitrate is toxic and can be harmful if ingested. It produces respiratory problems, gastrointestinal distress, and muscle weakness. 

It causes irritation to the skin and eyes.

Overall, barium nitrate is a useful compound in a variety of applications, but it must be handled with care because of its toxic properties.