Description
Barium chlorate has the molecular formula of
Ba(ClO3)2 and a molecular weight of 304.229 g/mol. Its
density is 3.18 g/cm3 and its melting point is 413.9°C.
It is a white crystalline solid, a skin irritant and if
consumed can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Its CAS number is 13477-00-4. It is used in fireworks to
produce a green color. It also forms a monohydrate,
Ba(ClO3)2·H2O whose CAS number is 10294-38-9.
Shock-sensitive compounds are formed with organic
compounds, reducing agents, ammonia-containing
agents, and metal powders. The substance decomposes
violently on heating, producing oxygen, toxic fumes,
and causing fire and explosive hazards. This salt is
a strong oxidant and reacts with most combustible and
reducing materials.
Chemical Properties
Barium chlorate is a combustible, colorless to
white crystalline solid or powder.
Uses
Pyrotechnics, explosives, textile mordant, man-
ufacture of other chlorates.
Preparation
Barium chlorate can be produced through a double
replacement reaction of barium chloride and sodium
chlorate:
BaCl2＋ 2NaClO3→Ba(ClO3)2＋ 2NaCl
It can also be produced through a more complicated
process involving barium carbonate and ammonium chlorate, both of which are produced in situ. There are
four separate reactions used to produce this salt:
BaCl2＋ Na2CO3 →BaCO3＋ 2NaCl or BaCl2＋2NaHCO3 →BaCO3＋ 2NaCl＋ H2O＋ CO2(1)
In a separate step, ammonium chlorate is produced
by reaction of tartaric acid, C4H6O6, to produce ammonium
bitartrate. This is then reacted with potassium
chlorate which produces potassium bitartrate and
ammonium chlorate:
C4H6O6＋NH4OH→NH4C4H5O6＋H2O (2)
NH4C4H5O6＋ KClO3→KC4H5O6＋NH4ClO3 (3)
The produced barium carbonate is then reacted with
ammonium chlorate:
2NH4ClO3＋ BaCO3＋ heat→Ba(ClO3)2＋ 2NH3＋H2O＋ CO2 (4)
The final product is obtained without having to handle
the chlorate solutions or product before the final product
is obtained.
It can also be produced via the Liebig process similar
to that of the strontium homologue which consists of
passing chlorine gas through a solid such as Ba(OH)2:
6Ba(OH)2＋ 6Cl2→5BaCl2＋ Ba(CIO3)2＋ 6H2O
However, separating the two salts remains problematic
since both are soluble in water. It is for
this reason that the Liebig method is not used for the
commercial production of barium chlorate.
Hazard
A poison. Strong oxidizer, fire risk in con-
tact with organic materials.
Safety Profile
A poison. For fire and
explosion hazards, see CHLORATES.
Incompatible with Al, As, C, charcoal, Cu,
MnO2, metal sulfides, S4N4, organic matter,
P, S. See also BARIUM COMPOUNDS
(soluble).
Potential Exposure
It is used in fireworks and explosives
manufacture; in textile dyeing and in the manufacture of
other perchlorates.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycue breathing (using universal precautions, includingresuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heartaction has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility.When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Donot make an unconscious person vomit. The symptoms ofparalysis do not become obvious until some hours havepassed. Keep under medical observation for 24 48 h. Seealso First Aid section in “Barium” entry.Note to physician: Treat for methemoglobinemia.Spectrophotometry may be required for precise determination of levels of methemoglobinemia in urine.contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin,remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately withsoap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If thischemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin res
storage
Color Code—Yellow: Reactive Hazard; Store in amables and combustibles. Barium chlorate must be storedto avoid contact with organic or combustible materials(such as wood, paper, oil, fuels, and starch) and other easilyoxidizable materials (such as sulfur, aluminum, copper,metal sulfides, ammonium salts, etc.) since violent reactionsoccur. Store in tightly closed containers on nonwood floorsin a cool, well-ventilated area. Wherever barium chlorate isused, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proofelectrical equipment and fittings. See OSHA Standard1910.104 and NFPA 43A Code for the Storage of Liquidand Solid Oxidizers for detailed handling and storageregulationslocation separate from other materials, especially flammablesand combustibles. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool,well-ventilated area. Sources of ignition, such as smokingand open flames, are prohibited where barium bromate ishandled, used, or stored. Avoid any possible contact withincompatible materials. See OSHA Standard 1910.104 andNFPA 43A Code for the Storage of Liquid and SolidOxidizers for detailed handling and storage regulations.
Shipping
UN1445 Barium chlorate, Hazard Class: 5.1;
Labels: 5.1—Oxidizer, 6.1—Poisonous materials.
Purification Methods
It crystallises from H2O (1mL/g) between 100o and 0o, and loses 1H2O at 120o. [Schmeisser in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry (Ed. Brauer) Academic Press Vol I p 314 1963.]
Incompatibilities
A strong oxidizer. When heated above
250° C, it begins to give off oxygen and will increase risk
of fire. Barium chlorate is a reactive chemical and is an
explosion hazard. Violent reaction may occur with reducing
materials; strong acids; powdered metals. Contact with
combustible materials will increase activity in fire.
Waste Disposal
Use large volumes of reducing
agent (bisulfite or ferrous salt) solutions. Neutralize and
flush to sewer with large volumes of water.
