Barium oxalate

Barium oxalate

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Identifiers
CAS Number	516-02-9 Y
ChemSpider	61508 Y
Jmol 3D model	Interactive image
PubChem	68201
InChI InChI=1S/C2H2O4.Ba/c3-1(4)2(5)6;/h(H,3,4)(H,5,6);/q;+2/p-2 Y Key: GXUARMXARIJAFV-UHFFFAOYSA-L Y InChI=1/C2H2O4.Ba/c3-1(4)2(5)6;/h(H,3,4)(H,5,6);/q;+2/p-2 Key: GXUARMXARIJAFV-NUQVWONBAK
SMILES [Ba+2].[O-]C(=O)C([O-])=O
Properties
Chemical formula	BaC2O4
Molar mass	225.346 g/mol
Density	2.658 g/cm3
Melting point	400 °C (752 °F; 673 K) (decomposes)
Solubility in water	0.9290 mg/L
Vapor pressure	{{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Barium oxalate, a Barium salt of oxalic acid, is a white odourless powder that is sometimes used as a green pyrotechnic colorant generally in specialized pyrotechnic compositions containing magnesium.

Though largely stable, it can be reactive with strong acids. A mild skin irritant, the substance is considered toxic when ingested, causing nausea, vomiting, renal failure and injury to the gastrointestinal tract. Its molecular formula is written as BaC₂O₄. The raw materials that are required to prepare Barium oxalate are oxalic acid and Barium hydroxide octahydrate or Barium hydroxide.

It can also be prepared alternatively by using an oxalic acid solution and a Barium chloride solution, with the reaction as follows:

BaCl₂ + H₂C₂O₄ → BaC₂O₄↓ + 2 HCl

It is different from most pyrotechnic colourants in that it is a reducing agent, and not an oxidizing agent. It is extremely insoluble in water and converts to the oxide form when heated.

External sources

• rec.pyrotechnics FAQ
• MSDS
• [1]
• [2]