Barium nitrite represented by the chemical formula Ba(NO₂)₂ or BaN₂O₄ ^[2] that bears the IUPAC name barium dinitride ^[3] is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and alcohol [6]. It is a barium salt and an ionic compound ^[2].

Barium Nitrite Identification
CAS Number	13465-94-6 [1]
PubChem CID	166820 [2]
ChemSpider ID	145952 [3]
EC Number	236-709-9 [1]

How to Make It

Barium nitrite can be prepared by decomposing silver nitrite by barium chloride ^[4].

2AgNO₂ + BaCl₂ = 2AgCl + Ba(NO₂)₂

It can also be made by pouring a warm solution of barium nitrate over lead and boiling the mixture for 1.5 to 2 hours ^[7].

Ba(NO₃)₂ + 2Pb = Ba(NO₂)₂ + 2PbO

Properties and Characteristics of Barium Nitrite

General Properties
Molar mass/molecular weight		229.337 g/mol [2]
Physical Properties
Color/appearance		White crystals [1]
Melting point/freezing point		115°C, 239°F [1]
Boiling point		N/A [1]
Density		3.173 g cm-3 [1]
State of matter at room temperature (normal phase)		Solid [1]
Chemical Properties
Solubility in water		630 g/l (at 20oC) [1]
pH		>7 (basic) [5]
Atomic Properties
Crystal structure	Hexagonal [6]

Barium Nitrite Uses

1. In research work in laboratories, in diazotization ^{[1, 6]}.
2. As a corrosion inhibitor ^[6].
3. In making explosives ^[6].

Is It Dangerous

The compound can be highly toxic if swallowed or inhaled ^[2].

References
1. Barium Nitrite – Americanelements.com
2. Barium Nitrite – Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3. Barium Nitrite – Chemspider.com
4. Barium Nitrite, Ba(NO₂)₂ – Barium.atomistry.com
5. Basic anions none think about why 1 anions of weak – Coursehero.com
6. Barium Nitrite – Chemicalbook.com
7. Preparation of barium nitrite – Prepchem.com