What is Barium nitrate?
[[File:Dusičnan barnatý.JPG|thumb|Barium nitrate]] '''Barium nitrate''' is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is Ba(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>. It contains [[barium]] and [[nitrate]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== Barium nitrate is a colorless solid. It dissolves in water. It is an [[oxidizing agent]]. It releases a green flame when burned. It decomposes when heated to [[barium oxide]], [[oxygen]], and [[nitrogen dioxide]]. If it is heated in [[nitric oxide]], it makes barium [[nitrite]]. It reacts with any [[sulfate]] or [[sulfuric acid]] to make [[barium sulfate]]. ==Preparation== It is made by reacting [[barium carbonate]] with [[nitric acid]]. It can also be prepared by reacting the solutions of [[sodium nitrate]] with [[barium chloride]]. ==Uses== Barium nitrate can be mixed with powdered [[aluminium]] and [[zinc]]. This makes an [[explosive]]. It is also used in fireworks to make a green color. It is added to [[thermite]] to make it ignite more easily. It is also used to make [[barium oxide]]. ==Safety== Barium nitrate is very toxic. Sulfates can be given if someone eats barium, because they turn it into nontoxic barium sulfate. ==Related pages== *[[Potassium nitrate]] [[Category:Nitrogen compounds]] [[Category:Barium compounds]]