Substance profile
Barium peroxide
Barium peroxide is a white or grayish-white, heavy powder and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Barium peroxide is
Barium peroxide is a white or grayish-white, heavy powder and is odorless. It boils at 800 °C, melts at 450 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
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 |
|---|---|
| H272 | May intensify fire; oxidiser. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P301, P304, P312, P330
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Barium peroxide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 800 °C (1472 °F) | decomposes, decomposes | HSDB |
| Melting point | 450 °C (842 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 4.96 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 5 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| 4.96 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Solubility in water: poor | ICSC | |
| 0.091 g/100 g water at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Risk of fire and explosion on contact with combustible substances and reducing agents. | HSDB | |
| Fire and explosion risk in contact with organic materials. | HSDB | ||
| Explodes on contact with acetic anhydride. | HSDB | ||
| Corrosivity | Corrodes metal slowly | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Barium peroxide
Storage conditions
Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Protect against physical damage and moisture. Separate from incompatibilities. Separate from combustibles, organic or other readily oxidizable materials. Avoid storage on wood floors. Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
The substance is a strong oxidant and reacts violently with combustible and reducing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
BARIUM PEROXIDE is a strong oxidizing agent. Contact with water can produce a temperature and oxygen concentration high enough to ignite organic materials [Bretherick's, 5th ed., 1995, p. 94]. Reacts explosively with acetic anhydride due to the formation of acetyl peroxide [Rust, 1948, p. 337]. Ignites when mixed with powdered aluminum, powdered magnesium or calcium-silicon alloys. Wood may ignite with friction from the peroxide. Decomposes when heated to 700 °C to produce barium oxide and pure oxygen [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 317]. Forms highly reactive mixtures with fuel-type materials.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Barium peroxide in the storage compatibility matrix →