Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2) is a chemical compound that plays a vital role in various industrial processes. Its chemical formula is Ba(OH)2, consisting of one barium cation (Ba2+) and two hydroxide anions (OH-). This compound can undergo a redox reaction, where barium cation undergoes reduction, and hydroxide anions undergo oxidation.
Ba2+ + 2 e- → Ba0 (reduction)
2 O2- - 2 e- → 2 O1- (oxidation)
Therefore, Barium hydroxide is both an oxidizing and reducing agent.
Chemical Names and Formulas
Common name: Barium hydroxide
Chemical formula: Ba(OH)2
Hill formula: H2BaO2
IUPAC name: Barium(+2) cation dihydroxide
Substance Properties
Molar mass: 171.34 g/mol (Barium hydroxide), 137.327 g/mol (Barium), 17.008 g/mol (Oxygen)
Phase: Solid at standard temperature and pressure (STP)
Melting point: 300 °C (Barium hydroxide), 725 °C (Barium oxide)
Boiling point: 1640 °C
Density: 2.2 g/cm³ (Barium hydroxide), 3.6 g/cm³ (Barium oxide)
Solubility in water: Insoluble
Surface tension: 0.224 N/m
In summary, Barium hydroxide is a powerful oxidizing and reducing agent that has significant applications in various industries, such as the production of lubricating oils, barium salts, and hydrogen peroxide. Its unique properties, including its insolubility in water, make it an essential compound in the field of chemistry.