Barium Iodide is a toxic inorganic compound existing both in its anhydrous and hydrated forms. The structure of anhydrous Barium Iodide bears similarity to that of lead (II) chloride.

Barium Iodide Identification

CAS number: 13718-50-8, (anhydrous), [7787-33-9] (dihydrate)

Barium Iodide Formula

The formula for Barium Iodide in its anhydrous form is BaI2 while the formula for the hydrated form is BaI2·2H2O.

Barium Iodide Preparation

Barium Iodide Dihydrate can be prepared using Ammonium Carbonate and Barium Hydroxide in the presence of a Hydrogen periodate reagent.

Properties of Barium Iodide

The properties of this inorganic compound vary in its anhydrous and hydrated forms.

Picture 1 – Barium Iodide

Properties of Barium Iodide (anhydrous)

Appearance: it is a white or off-white crystalline powder.

Solubility: This inorganic compound is soluble in water. It is also soluble in ethanol and acetone.

Molar Mass: The molecular weight for this material is 391.136 g/mol.

Density: Its density is 5.15 g /cm3.

Melting Point: It has a melting point of 711°C.

Properties of Barium Iodide (dihydrate)

Appearance: It has the appearance of colorless crystal.

Solubility: It is soluble in water, ethanol and acetone.

Molar Mass: This compound has the molecular weight of 427.167 g/mol.

Density: its density is 5.0 g /cm3.

Melting Point: The melting point of this substance is 740°C.

Uses of Barium Iodide

Both forms of this inorganic compound are used for preparing other iodides.

Barium Iodide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

It can cause adverse health effects in both the anhydrous and hydrated forms. There are certain precautions to be taken before handling this material.

Toxicology

This toxic compound can cause skin and eye irritation if comes into direct contact. Accidental inhalation or ingestion of this material can cause serious health problems.

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: In case of direct eye contact, the victim should flush the eyes with cold water at least for 15 minutes. Immediate medical attention is required.

Skin Contact: If this compound comes into direct contact with the skin, the victim should wash the contaminated area with soap and plenty of water. The infected clothes and shoes should be removed and washed properly before re-use. It is important to obtain medical aid.

Inhalation: The victim should be removed to a well ventilated area. It is important to provide oxygen or artificial respiration in case the victim is experiencing breathing difficulty. One should obtain immediate medical assistance.

Ingestion: it is not advisable to induce vomiting without proper medical guidance in case of accidental ingestion of this compound. Getting immediate medical assistance is important.

Personal Safety Measures

One should use OSHA approved safety goggles, gloves, protective clothes and respirators for personal protection while handling Barium Iodide.

Storage Instruction

It should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool and dry place.

Fire Fighting Measures

This inorganic compound is non-flammable. However, if fire breaks out around this material, the firefighters should use proper fire fighting gear while extinguishing it.

Barium Iodide Availability

There are many companies who supply anhydrous and dihydrate Barium Iodide worldwide. It is also available online.

Barium Iodide is an important source for many other Iodides. Its ability to exist in the anhydrous and hydrated forms makes it useful in various fields.

References
1. http://www.lookchem.com/Barium-iodide-dihydrate/
2. http://www.ajay-sqm.com/products.aspx?id=92%7CBarium+Iodide+%28Anhydrous%29