Barium Chromate Extra Pure
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Barium Chromate Extra Pure is a high-purity, yellow crystalline powder used in laboratory chemistry for analytical, inorganic, and materials science applications. It is commonly employed in the detection of lead and other metal ions through precipitation reactions and serves as an oxidizing agent in qualitative analysis. In materials research, it is studied for its corrosion-inhibiting properties and thermal stability. Its insolubility in water and distinctive color make it useful in pigment research and educational demonstrations of double displacement and precipitation reactions. The extra pure grade ensures minimal contamination, providing reliable results in sensitive analytical work. Due to its toxicity and the presence of hexavalent chromium, it must be handled with proper safety precautions and stored in a cool, dry, well-sealed container away from incompatible substances.
USES
Primary Uses
- Reagent for Lead Ion Detection
- In qualitative inorganic analysis, BaCrO₄ is used to test for Pb²⁺ — it forms a yellow precipitate of lead chromate (PbCrO₄), aiding in group analysis.
- Source of Chromate Ions in Precipitation Reactions
- Provides CrO₄²⁻ ions in double displacement and solubility experiments, especially when studying sparingly soluble salts.
- Model Compound in Solubility Product (Ksp) and Ion Exchange Studies
- Ideal for demonstrating low-solubility equilibria, common ion effect, and Ksp calculations in student labs.
- Pigment Research and Historic Pigment Replication
- Formerly used as a yellow pigment (“lemon yellow”); now studied for chemical degradation and colorfastness in conservation science.
- Demonstration of Photodecomposition and Oxidation Chemistry
- Used in studies and teaching to show chromate-based light sensitivity, decomposition, and redox behavior under various conditions.
Secondary Uses
- Reference Material in Environmental Chromium Studies
- Acts as a solid-phase source of hexavalent chromium, useful in research on Cr(VI) leaching and remediation.
- Precursor in High-Temperature Ceramic Glaze and Glass Studies
- Occasionally used in specialized labs to form colorants in glazes or optical ceramics, though less common today due to toxicity.
- Component in Corrosion-Resistant Coating Formulations (Research)
- Investigated in the lab for its role in anticorrosive primers, especially on aluminum and magnesium alloys.
- Chromium(VI) Source in Oxidation Studies
- Serves as a low-solubility oxidizing agent, releasing Cr(VI) under acidic conditions in controlled oxidation reactions.
- Teaching Tool for Chromate-Dichromate Equilibrium
- Used to illustrate acid–base equilibria and color changes when transitioning between CrO₄²⁻ (yellow) and Cr₂O₇²⁻ (orange).
KEY ATTRIBUTES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Barium Chromate
- CAS Number: 10294-40-3
- HS Code: 28415090 (Other chromates of barium)
- Molecular Formula: BaCrO₄
- Synonyms:
- Barium monochromate
- Chromic acid, barium salt
- Barium yellow (used in pigments)
- Witherite chromate (mineralogical context)
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (fine crystalline powder)
- Color & Odor: Bright yellow; odorless
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
- Melting Point: ~210 °C (decomposes to BaO and Cr₂O₃)
- Density/Specific Gravity: ~4.5 g/cm³
- Solubility:
- Water: Slightly soluble (~0.006 g/100 mL at 20 °C)
- Acids: Soluble with evolution of toxic gases
- pH Level: Neutral to slightly alkaline in water
- Vapor Pressure: Not applicable (non-volatile)
- Flash Point: Not flammable
- Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
- Viscosity: Not applicable
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):
- Carcinogenicity (Category 1B)
- Mutagenicity (Category 1B)
- Reproductive Toxicity (Category 1B)
- Acute Toxicity – Oral (Category 3)
- Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Repeated Exposure (Category 1)
- Aquatic Chronic (Category 1)
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 4
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 1
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL (as Cr VI): 5 µg/m³ (8-hr TWA)
- ACGIH TLV (as Cr VI): 0.05 mg/m³
- Reactivity:
- Reacts with acids and reducing agents
- Incompatible with organic materials, leading to fire/explosion risk
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated place
- Protect from light, heat, and incompatible substances
- Incompatible Materials:
- Strong acids, reducing agents, organic materials
- Container Type:
- Glass or inert plastic, clearly labeled
- Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- ~3 years under ideal conditions
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Use gloves, goggles, lab coat, and respirator if dusty
- Handle in a fume hood only – toxic Cr(VI) dust
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Listed in TSCA, REACH
- Classified as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) under REACH due to Cr(VI)
- Transportation Restrictions:
- UN Number: UN 1564 (Toxic solids, inorganic, n.o.s. – may apply depending on form and quantity)
- Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic), Packing Group II
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Must be treated as hazardous waste (Cr VI)
- Dispose via licensed chemical waste handler
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Extremely toxic to aquatic life (long-term effects)
- Persistence in Environment:
- Persistent and bioaccumulative due to Cr(VI) content
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1)
- Mutagenic and teratogenic risks present
- Biodegradability:
- Not biodegradable
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear a lab coat, chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves, and a dust mask or respirator.
- Use only in a chemical fume hood—dust and fumes are hazardous.
- Handling:
- Avoid all forms of exposure: inhalation, ingestion, skin or eye contact.
- Do not mix with combustible materials—oxidizing agent.
- Prevent formation of dust. Use gentle techniques when transferring or weighing the powder.
- Storage:
- Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
- Keep away from reducing agents, organic materials, acids, and heat.
- Label clearly as Toxic, Carcinogenic, and Oxidizing.
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the lab.
- Decontaminate surfaces after use with a suitable chromium-specific deactivating agent.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- Inhalation:
- Remove to fresh air immediately.
- Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
- Seek urgent medical attention—can cause respiratory tract irritation, lung damage, or chromium toxicity.
- Skin Contact:
- Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
- Remove contaminated clothing and isolate it.
- Seek medical attention—absorption through skin is possible and chromates are corrosive and sensitizing.
- Eye Contact:
- Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids.
- Seek immediate medical attention—can cause serious eye damage.
- Ingestion:
- Do NOT induce vomiting.
- Rinse mouth thoroughly with water.
- Give water or milk only if the person is fully conscious.
- Seek emergency medical attention—barium and chromium compounds are both highly toxic.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
- Extinguishing Media:
- Use dry chemical, CO₂, or foam. Water spray may be used cautiously.
- Specific Fire Hazards:
- Not combustible itself, but acts as a strong oxidizer and enhances combustion of other materials.
- Heating may release toxic fumes, including:
- Chromium(VI) compounds
- Barium oxide
- Oxygen (accelerates fire)
- Protective Equipment:
- Firefighters should wear SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) and full chemical protective clothing.
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Approach from upwind.
- Cool unopened containers with water spray.
- Prevent runoff from entering drains—extremely toxic to aquatic life.
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- SHORT DESCRIPTION