what is the formula for barium nitrate

If you are here, you likely have a specific question in mind: What is the formula for barium nitrate?

Let’s give you the answer straight away. The chemical formula is Ba(NO₃)₂.

But if you are in the industry—whether you are making fireworks, producing specialized glass, or working in a lab—you know that the formula is just the beginning. The real story is about how those atoms stick together, how they burn, and where you can get the high-quality stuff you need.

Breaking Down the Formula Ba(NO₃)₂

To understand why barium nitrate acts the way it does, we have to look at its parts. The formula Ba(NO₃)₂ isn’t just a random code. It is a recipe.

The Ingredients

1. Barium (Ba): This is the heavy lifter. It’s a metal that, when heated, produces that brilliant, deep green color you see in pyrotechnics.
2. Nitrogen (N) and Oxygen (O): These combine to form the “nitrate” part. The nitrate is the fuel injector. It holds onto a lot of oxygen and releases it when things get hot.

The Bond

Chemists call this an ionic compound. Think of it like a magnet. The Barium part has a positive charge (+2), and the Nitrate part has a negative charge (-1). Because nature likes balance, you need two nitrates to balance out one barium. That’s why there is a little “2” at the end of the formula.

“The strong ionic bond is what makes barium nitrate a stable white solid at room temperature, but a fierce oxidizer when ignited.” — Chemical Principles 101

Key Physical Properties

When we test our products in the lab, we look for specific numbers to ensure purity. Here is a quick reference table based on standard data:

(Source: PubChem – Barium Nitrate Data)

Why the Formula Matters for Your Business

Knowing the formula is one thing. Using it is another. Because of that specific arrangement of oxygen and barium, this chemical is incredibly useful in niche industries.

1. The Green Light in the Sky (Pyrotechnics)

If you work in fireworks, you know there is no substitute for barium nitrate. The Ba in the formula creates the green color, but the NO₃ provides the oxygen to keep the fire burning bright.

We act as a barium nitrate manufacturer for many pyrotechnic companies. They tell us that the purity of the formula is vital. If the chemical has too much sodium impurity, the flame turns yellow instead of green.

2. Clarity in Glass and Ceramics

You might not expect it, but barium nitrate is used to make high-quality glass. It acts as a clarifying agent. It helps remove small air bubbles from molten glass. In ceramics, it helps create smooth, even glazes.

3. The Precursor Role

Barium nitrate is often used to make other barium compounds. For example, if you need to create barium oxide for vacuum tubes, you start here.

From the Factory Floor – How It’s Made

At Huaihua Shangge Chemical Co., Ltd., we take production seriously. You can’t just dig this stuff out of the ground in its pure form. It requires a chemical reaction.

The Production Process

Usually, we start with a source of barium, often barium carbonate powder. Here is the simplified reaction:

1. We take Barium Carbonate (BaCO₃).
2. We mix it with Nitric Acid (HNO₃).
3. The acid eats the carbonate, releases bubbles (CO₂), and leaves behind pure Barium Nitrate solution.
4. We evaporate the water to leave behind the crystals.

This relationship is why we are also deeply involved with barium carbonate manufacturers. To make great nitrate, you need great carbonate.

Quality Control

In our barium nitrate factory, we test every batch. We check for moisture content and purity. If the formula isn’t exactly Ba(NO₃)₂—for example, if it’s wet or has iron in it—it won’t burn right.

Safety First – Handling the Oxidizer

I cannot stress this enough: Respect the chemistry. Barium nitrate is an oxidizer and a poison.

The Dangers

• Fire: It doesn’t burn by itself, but if you mix it with fuel (like wood, paper, or aluminum powder) and light it, it will burn furiously. It feeds oxygen to the fire.
• Health: It is toxic if swallowed or inhaled. It interferes with your muscles, specifically your heart (potassium channels).

Best Practices for Handling

1. Keep it Dry: Water causes it to cake and spread. Store it in a tightly sealed container.
2. Keep it Clean: Contamination can be dangerous. Never mix it with organic materials until you are ready to use it.
3. Wear Gear: Always use gloves and a dust mask. You do not want this dust in your lungs.

(Source: Fisher Scientific Safety Data Sheet)

Sourcing and Supply – The Huaihua Shangge Difference

When you are looking to buy chemicals, you have a lot of choices. But sourcing isn’t just about clicking a button. It’s about trust.

Wholesale and Bulk

We specialize in barium nitrate wholesale. Whether you need a few bags for a small test or containers for industrial production, consistency is key. We ensure that the product you get in January is the same quality as the one you get in July.

Customization

Sometimes, standard specs aren’t enough. Maybe you need a specific particle size for your custom barium carbonate or nitrate orders. We work with clients to meet those specific needs.

Why Buy Direct?

Buying directly from a factory like ours saves you money and headaches.

• Traceability: You know exactly where the material came from.
• Freshness: Chemicals can degrade if they sit in a middleman’s warehouse for years.
• Support: If you have a technical question about the formula or solubility, you can ask us.

The Barium Carbonate Connection

I mentioned earlier that we also deal with carbonate. It’s worth diving a little deeper here because the two chemicals are like siblings.

Barium Carbonate (BaCO₃) is much less soluble in water than nitrate. It is used heavily in the brick and tile industry to prevent “scumming” (white salt stains on bricks).

If you are a purchasing manager, you might need both. We act as barium carbonate powder suppliers as well, allowing you to consolidate your shipping. Mixing heavy cargo like this in one shipment can save a significant amount on freight costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We get asked a lot of questions. Here are the most common ones regarding the formula and handling.

Conclusion: Partnering for Success

Understanding the formula Ba(NO₃)₂ is the foundation. It tells you that you are working with a powerful, oxidizing barium salt. But the real value comes from applying that knowledge safely and effectively in your industry.

At Huaihua Shangge Chemical Co., Ltd., we pride ourselves on being more than just a vendor. We are partners in your production line. Whether you need standard OEM barium carbonate or high-purity barium nitrate, we have the capacity and the expertise to deliver.

Chemicals are the building blocks of modern industry. Let’s build something brilliant together.

References:

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2024). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 24632, Barium nitrate. Retrieved from PubChem.
2. ScienceMadness Wiki. Barium Nitrate. Retrieved from ScienceMadness.
3. Fisher Scientific. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Barium Nitrate. Retrieved from Fisher Scientific.