BariumChlorite

Physical properties

Barium chlorite, Ba(ClO2)2, is a solid with the molecular weight of 204.779 g/mol. Its density is 3.61 g/cm3. Its CAS number is 14674-74-9. Its melting point is 727°C and it has a boiling point of 1640°C. Barium chlorite can be prepared by reaction of chlorous acid with barium carbonate:
BaCO3 (s)＋ 2HClO2 (aq)→Ba(ClO2)2·7H2O
It is a white granular solid and if formed in solution, crystallizes as the heptahydrate. Like its strontium homologue, barium chlorite is a strong oxidizing agent. It accelerates the burning of combustible materials, ignites on contact with potassium thiocyanate and reaction with chlorine yields explosive chlorine dioxide gas. Reaction with ammonia produces ammonium chlorite, which is shock sensitive. If mixed with finely divided metallic or organic substances, the combination is highly flammable and may be ignited by friction.

Safety Profile

A poison. Decomposesexplosively at 190°C. Ignites on contact with dimethylsulfate. When heated to decomposition it emits toxicfumes of Cl^-.