What Is Barium?

Barium is an alkaline-earth metal element. It is a sixth-cycle element of Group IIA in the periodic table. It is a lively element in alkaline-earth metals. The element name is derived from the Greek (barys). The chemical element symbol is Ba. It is a soft alkaline earth metal with silvery white luster. Because of its lively chemical properties, barium has never been found in nature. The most common minerals of barium in nature are barite (barium sulfate) and toxin (barium carbonate), both of which are insoluble in water. Barium was identified as a new element in 1774, but was not classified as a metallic element until shortly after the invention of the electrolytic method in 1808. Barium compounds are used to make green in fireworks (based on the flame reaction). Metal barium can be prepared by electrolytically melting barium chloride or reducing barium chloride with aluminum.

Sulfides of alkaline earth metals have a phosphorescence phenomenon, that is, they continue to emit light in the dark for a period of time after being exposed to light. Barium compounds are attracting attention because of this property.

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Barium, like other alkaline earth metals, is distributed all over the earth: the content in the upper crust is 0.

The industrial preparation of barium metal is divided into two steps: preparing barium oxide and metal thermal reduction (aluminum thermal reduction). Barium oxide is reduced with metallic aluminum at 1000 to 1200 ° C to obtain metallic barium, which is then purified by vacuum distillation. ^[2]

Store in a cool, ventilated warehouse. Keep away from fire and heat sources. The relative humidity is kept below 75%. Packaging is required to be sealed and not in contact with air. It should be stored separately from oxidants, acids, and alkalis, and must not be mixed. Use explosion-proof lighting and ventilation facilities. Prohibit the use of spark-prone machinery and tools. The storage area should be equipped with suitable materials to contain spills.