Substance profile
Barium Carbonate
Barium Carbonate is a white, heavy powder and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Barium Carbonate is
Barium Carbonate is a white, heavy powder and is odorless. Its molecular formula is CBaO3 and its molecular weight is 197.34 g/mol. It melts at 1300 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Barium Carbonate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 1300 °C (2372 °F) | above this value | ICSC |
| 1380 °C (2516 °F) | decomposes, decomposes | HSDB | |
| 811 °C (1491.8 °F) | Haz-Map | ||
| Density | 4.308 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 4.43 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| 4.3 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Insoluble in sulfuric acid | HSDB | |
| In water, 0.0014 g/100 g at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | Essentially zero | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | Not flammable (USCG, 1999) | CAMEO |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on Barium Carbonate
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Solubility
Slightly soluble (1:1000) in carbon dioxide-water; soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid, nitric acid or acetic acid; soluble in ammonium chloride or ammonium nitrate solutions
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Barium Carbonate
Storage conditions
Separated from bromotrifluoride, strong acids, food and feedstuffs.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts violently with strong acids. Reacts violently with bromotrifluoride causing fire hazard.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Salts, basic, such as BARIUM CARBONATE, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydroxide ions and have pH's greater than 7.0. They react as bases to neutralize acids. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of the bases in reactivity group 10 (Bases) and the neutralization of amines. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Barium Carbonate in the storage compatibility matrix →