Barium(Ba)  is an element of the periodic table having atomic number 56. The barium is a soft, silvery, alkaline metal. it is an element of group II. And, it is highly reactive so barium is never found in a free state in nature. It is an s-block element with an atomic weight of 137.32amu. 

Iodine

Iodine(I) is an element of the periodic table having atomic number 53. Iodine is the heaviest stable halogen. It is an element of group 17. And, it exists as a non-lustrous, non-metallic substance in standard conditions. It is a p-block element with an atomic weight of 126.904amu.

Barium Iodide

Barium iodide is crystalline, colorless, slightly deliquesce, and soluble in water. It is a compound obtained by the decomposition of heavy metal barium using metallic sodium. The compound was first isolated by Sir Humphry Davy By electrolysis of molten barium salt. The IUPAC name of barium iodide is ‘Barium(2+)diiodide.

Molecular Formula of Barium Iodide

Barium iodide is a compound formed by the combination of two parts of iodine and one part of barium. Hence, the molecular formula of barium iodide is given as 

Molecular Formula of Barium Iodide = BaI₂

Structural Formula of Barium Iodide

The structural formula of barium iodide demonstrates the position of barium and iodine atoms in the compound and the bonds between them. The structural formula of barium Iodide is given below:

Physical Properties of Barium Iodide

• Barium iodide is odorless.
• It is found as a white solid substance.
• It is highly soluble in alcohol.
• The pH value of barium iodide is 7.
• The density of barium iodide is 5.15g/cm³.
• Its melting and boiling point is 711°C and 2027°C respectively.
• Its molecular weight is 391.136g/mol.

Chemical Properties of Barium Iodide

• When barium iodide is reacted with potassium bromide then, potassium iodide and barium bromide are formed with yellow precipitation.

KBr + BaI₂ => Kl + BaBr₂

• When barium iodide is reacted with sodium sulfate then, barium sulfate is formed along with sodium iodide.

BaI₂ + Na₂SO₄ => BaSO₄ + NaI

Preparation process of Barium Iodide

Barium iodide can be prepared by different methods among which two of them are given below:

Method I

Barium iodide can be prepared by the reaction of barium and iodine molecules as the metals and halogens are highly reactive. This reaction also requires some heat as iodine is the lowest in the 17 groups.

Ba + I₂ => BaI₂

Method II

Barium iodide can be prepared by the treatment of aqueous potassium iodide with barium nitrate in the presence of water which gives dihydrate barium iodide along with potassium nitrate as products.

Kl_(aq) + Ba(NO₃)_2(aq) => KNO_3(aq) + BaI_2(aq)

Uses of Barium Iodide

• It is used to identify the copper castings.
• It is used in manufacturing some other iodine compounds.
• It is used in the preparation process of barium dioxide.

Sample Questions

Question 1. What is barium iodide an acid or base?

Answer:

Barium iodide is a neutral salt with a pH value of 7 formed by the reaction between hydrogen iodide and barium.

Question 2. Barium iodide is an ionic compound. Explain.

Answer:

Barium iodide is an ionic compound as it has ions charged oppositely and forms a solution when dissolved in water.

Question 3. What will happen if barium iodide is reacted with potassium bromide?

Answer:

When barium iodide is reacted with potassium bromide, barium bromide, and potassium iodide with yellow precipitation.

KBr + BaI₂ => Kl + BaBr₂

Question 4. What will happen if barium iodide is reacted with sodium sulfate?

Answer:

When barium iodide is reacted with sodium sulfate, barium sulfate and sodium iodide are formed.

BaI₂ + Na₂SO₄ => BaSO₄ + NaI

Question 5. What is the molecular mass of barium iodide?

Answer:

The molecular mass of barium iodide is 391.136g/mol.

Question 6. What is the basic difference between anhydrous barium iodide and dihydrate barium iodide?

Answer:

Anhydrous Barium Nitrate	Dihydrate Barium Nitrate
1. Anhydrous barium nitrate is a white solid.	1. Dihydrate barium nitrate is a colorless crystal.
2. Its molar weight is 391.136g/mol.	2. Its molar weight is 427.267g/mol.
3. Its density is 5.15g/cm3.	3. Its density is 5g/cm3.
4. Its melting point is 711°C.	4. Its melting point is 740°C.

Question 7. What is dihydrate barium iodide?

Answer:

A dihydrate barium iodide is a form of barium iodide formed with one barium and two water molecules. The molecular formula of dihydrate barium iodide is written as BaI₂.2H₂O.