Barium Iodide Formula

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What is Barium Iodide?

Barium iodide (Bal2) obtained by the decomposition of the barium by means of metallic sodium. Barium iodide crystallises in small, colourless needles, which deliquesce slightly, and are very soluble in water. Barium (Gk barys, heavy) is a heavy metal, first isolated by Sir Humphry Davy in England by electrolysis of molten barium salts in 1808. It is prepared by the action of hydroiodic acid on barium hydroxide or barium carbonate solution.

IUPAC name – barium(2+) diiodide

Barium Iodide Structure – BaI2

Chemical data of Barium Iodide- BaI2

BaI2Barium iodide
Density5.15 g/cm³
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass391.136 g/mol
Boiling Point2,027 °C
Melting Point711 °C
Chemical FormulaBaI2

Physical Properties of Barium Iodide – BaI2

OdourOdourless
AppearanceWhite solid
Covalently-Bonded Unit3
Complexity2.8
pH7
SolubilityReadily soluble in alcohol

Chemical Properties of Barium Iodide – BaI2

  • Barium iodide reacts with potassium bromide forming a yellow precipitate of potassium iodide and barium bromide.

KBr + BaI2 → KI + BaBr2

  • Barium sulphate is formed when barium iodide is treated with sodium sulphate. The chemical equation is given below.

BaI2 + Na2SO4 → BaSO4 + NaI

Uses of Barium Iodide – BaI2

  • Used in the preparation of barium dioxide, but has no medicinal use
  • Used in the manufacture of other iodide compounds.
  • Used to densify the copper castings described in a paper before the Electrochemical Society.

Occurrence of barium iodide

Commonly we find it as the mineral barite (BaSO4) and witherite (BaCo3). Primarily we produce it through the electrolysis of barium chloride (BaCl2). We also obtain it by the decomposition of barium by metallic sodium.

Preparation of barium iodide

We can prepare barium iodide to dehydrate by using ammonium carbonate and barium hydroxide in the presence of a hydrogen periodate reagent. We can prepare anhydrous barium iodide by treating Ba metal with 1, 2-diiodoethane in ether. It reacts with alkyl potassium compounds to form organobarium compounds. Furthermore, we can reduce it with lithium biphenyl that gives a highly active form of barium metal.

Barium iodide health and safety hazards

In both hydrous and anhydrous forms, it can cause an adverse effect on health. So, it is necessary to take certain precautions while handling them. If it comes in direct contact then it causes irritation in eyes and skin.  Inhalation and ingestion of cerium iodide can cause serious health problems. While handling it one should always use safety equipment that OSHA approves such as safety goggles, gloves, protective clothes and respirators for personal protection while handling barium iodide.

Moreover, this inorganic compound is non-flammable. But, if a fire breaks out around it then firefighters need proper gear while extinguishing it.

First aid

If it comes in contact with eyes then flush the eyes for 15 minutes with cold water. Furthermore, if it comes in contact with the skin then wash the skin with plenty of water and soap. If the person inhales it and suffers from breathing problems then it is important to provide oxygen or artificial respiration. If someone accidentally ingests this compound then it is not advisable to induce vomiting without proper medical guidance. In this case, getting immediate assistance is important.

Solved Example for you

Question: How to form barium sulfate from barium iodide?

Solution

For creating barium sulfate from barium iodide we need to reacts it with sodium sulfate whose chemical reaction is:

BaI2 + Na2SO4 → BaSO4 + NaI

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the uses of barium iodide?

Barium iodide is widely used in the manufacturing of other important compounds of iodine. This compound is also used to prepare barium dioxide.

Is barium iodide covalent or ionic?

An ionic compound is a solid composed of ions charged oppositely. Such compounds form a solution when dissolved in water, which allows the conduction of electrical current. Having said that, Barium iodide is an ionic compound.

Comment on the structure of barium iodide.

The anhydrous type structure resembles lead(II) chloride (PbCl2) where each barium centre is bound to nine iodide ligands. The crystalline packing structure is very similar to BaCl2.  

Is BaI2 an acid or base?

BaI2 is neutral salt; it is formed by the reaction of hydrogen iodide and barium hydroxide. Both hydrogen iodide and barium hydroxide are strong acids and bases respectively.

What is the Name For BaI2?

Ans: The given molecular formula represents an ionic compound made up of barium and iodine. In this compound, barium donates two electrons to achieve an octet electronic configuration in its outermost shell and these two electrons are accepted by one Iodine atom each for the same purpose. Also, any compound containing an iodine atom with -1 electrical charge is known as an iodide. Hence, the IUPAC name of the compound is Barium Iodide.

What is Barium Iodide Used For?

Ans: There are a limited number of uses of barium iodide. It is mostly used for research purposes. Apart from that, it is used for the production of other important compounds of iodine. It can also be used for the preparation of barium dioxide.

 What are the Ions in BaI2?

Ans: The given molecular formula is of an ionic compound known as Barium Iodide. Now, any compound is named iodide when it consists of an iodine ion with a -1 electrical charge. In this case, there are two such iodine ions present. Also, Barium is a group 2 element in the periodic table with a capacity to lose two electrons and gain a +2 charge for getting a stable electronic configuration. Hence, the two ions that are present in the given compound are Ba2+ and I.

What is the chemical formula for barium iodide?

The chemical formula for barium iodide is BaI₂.

What is the molar mass of barium iodide?

The molar mass of barium iodide is 391.136 g/mol.

What is the appearance of barium iodide?

Barium iodide is a white solid.

What is the solubility of barium iodide in water?

Barium iodide is soluble in water.

What are the uses of barium iodide?

Barium iodide is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • X-ray imaging
  • Oil and gas drilling
  • Manufacturing of other iodide compounds

What are the hazards of barium iodide?

Barium iodide is a toxic substance. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It can also cause vomiting and diarrhea.

How should barium iodide be stored?

Barium iodide should be stored in a cool, dry place. It should be kept away from heat and incompatible materials, such as strong acids and oxidizing agents.

How should barium iodide be disposed of?

Barium iodide should be disposed of according to local regulations.

Is barium iodide a compound?

Yes, barium iodide is a compound. It is a compound of barium and iodine.

What is the difference between barium iodide and barium chloride?

Barium iodide and barium chloride are both white solids. However, barium iodide is more soluble in water than barium chloride. Barium iodide is also more toxic than barium chloride.

What is the name of the compound with the formula BaI2?

The compound with the formula BaI2 is barium iodide.

Question: What is the chemical formula for barium iodide?

Answer: The chemical formula for barium iodide is BaI2.

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