To share this content with an AI assistant
BaSO₄

Barium sulfate

IUPAC : Barium sulfate
SulfateSaltMineralPharmaceuticalIndustrialMineral/geological

Heavy, essentially insoluble mineral, which makes it non-toxic despite the toxicity of soluble Ba²⁺ ions. Used as a radiopaque contrast agent in gastrointestinal imaging and as a white industrial filler.

3D ball-and-stick representation of Barium sulfate (formula BaSO₄). Constituent atoms: Ba, S, O.
Scroll to activate 3D

Physical properties

Molar mass233.39 g/mol
State at 20 °Csolid
Density4.49 g/cm³
Melting point1853.00 K (1580 °C)
Boiling point—
Solubility (H₂O)insoluble (0.000285 g/100 mL)

Structure

Crystal systemOrthorhombic
3D render modeBall-and-stick

Uses and applications

  • Radiographic contrast agent for digestive X-rays and CT scans ("barium meal")
  • White filler (paints, plastics, paper)
  • Oil drilling (weighting of drilling muds)
  • Heavy concrete (radiation shielding)

Constituent elements

56Ba
Barium
16S
Sulfur
8O
Oxygen

References

PubChem CID24414
CAS7727-43-7
SMILES[Ba+2].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O
Sources : PubChem CID 24414 · CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics