Barium monoxide is a compound consisting of barium and oxygen in a 1:1 ratio. The spelling of the word is "ˈbɛəriəm mɒnɒksaɪd" where the IPA phonetic transcription indicates that "barium" is pronounced as "ˈbɛəriəm" and "monoxide" as "mɒnɒksaɪd". The word is spelled using Latin scripts and follows the English language conventions for spelling. Barium monoxide is often used in the production of electronic components and in the manufacture of glass. It has a white, granular, and powdery appearance.
Barium monoxide is a chemical compound with the molecular formula BaO. It is an inorganic compound consisting of one barium atom (Ba) bonded to one oxygen atom (O). Barium monoxide is a white, solid, and crystalline substance that has a high melting point.
Barium monoxide is commonly found in its monohydrate form, known as barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2•H2O). However, its anhydrous form, barium monoxide, is also significant in various applications. It is mainly produced by the thermal decomposition of barium carbonate or through the reaction of barium with oxygen gas.
This compound possesses several important properties and uses. It is a strong reducing agent, meaning it has the ability to decrease the oxidation state of other substances. Barium monoxide is often employed in the production of certain alloys, specifically those containing titanium and other metals, to remove any oxygen impurities. It also finds its use in vacuum tubes and electronic devices as a cathode material.
Furthermore, barium monoxide serves as a precursor for the synthesis of other barium compounds, including barium peroxide and barium nitrate. These compounds have diverse industrial applications, ranging from the manufacture of certain types of glass and ceramics to the production of fireworks.
It is worth noting that barium monoxide is a toxic substance and should be handled with care. Inhalation or ingestion of its dust or vapors can lead to severe health hazards, including respiratory and gastrointestinal issues.
The word "barium" originates from the Greek word "barys", meaning heavy, due to its high atomic number and density. "Monoxide" is derived from the Greek prefix "mono-" meaning one, and "oxide" referring to a compound that contains oxygen. Therefore, "barium monoxide" simply refers to a compound composed of one atom of barium and one atom of oxygen.