About Barium
Similarly to the adjacent element cesium within its family of the alkali metals, barium is the heaviest and most reactive of the stable elements in its family, the alkaline earths. The element first gained attention in the early 17th century in Bologna, Italy, when rocks composed of barium sulfate drew alchemists due to their unique ability to emit a phosphorescent red glow for years after being burnt and exposed to sunlight. Barium’s name is derived from the alchemical term for barium sulfate "baryta," which in turn is based on the Greek term barys meaning "heavy" or "dense." Sir Humphrey Davey bestowed the name upon his discovery of the element in 1808 via the electrolysis of molten barium salts, the same technique he used to isolate the other alkali metals. Barium does not occur free in nature due to its high reactivity; it is mostly present as barium sulfate in the mineral barite (also known as barytes or heavy spar), its main commercial source. The element is also found in witherite (barium carbonate) to a lesser extent and in the fluorescent blue gemstone benitoite (barium titanium silicate), the official state gemstone of California. Natural barium is a mix of 7 different isotopes and can be produced by either electrolysis of barium chloride or the reduction of barium oxide with elemental aluminum.
Chemically similar to calcium, barium is a shiny silver metal that turns gray as its surface oxidizes in contact with air. The element is extremely electropositive and highly reactive; contact with water and alcohols causes an explosive exothermic reaction, and reactions with nonmetals such as carbon and nitrogen cause similarly exothermic reactions when heated. Because of its flammability, barium is packaged under mineral oil as a safety precaution. Additionally, soluble barium compounds are all considered extremely poisonous due to the toxicity of the Ba2+ ion and must be handled with care.
Barium has many different forms with commercially useful properties. As a metal or alloyed with aluminum, it serves as a “flashed getter” in vacuum tubes to combine with and remove residual oxygen or moisture; it can also increase the creep resistance of lead-tin alloys and enhance the structure of aluminum-silicon alloys. Barium can alloy with other metals such as zinc, lead, nickel, and tin to form intermetallic phases and alloys used as bearing alloys, deoxidizers, and (in the form of barium-nickel alloys) the basis for spark plug wires. Barium compounds such as carbonates, chlorides, oxides, hydroxides, and peroxides are used as bleaching agents, desiccants, water softeners, components of glass and ceramics, additives to oil drilling fluids, green colorings for fireworks, and rat poisons; some other applications include purification of solutions and calibration of pH equipment. Barium sulfate is uniquely insoluble in water and thus nontoxic, allowing it to be used as a radiopaque contrast media for X-ray and CAT scan imaging of the gastrointestinal tract in high purity form. The compound either by itself or in combination with zinc sulfide (a material known as lithopone) is also used as a white pigment in paints, ink, and coatings in addition to a filler for rubbers and plastics.
Some crystalline ceramic forms of barium possess unusual properties that give them specialized high technology applications. Yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) is a well-known high-temperature superconductor, the first material ever to be discovered that exhibits superconductivity above the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77 K). Magnetic strips of credit card and data storage devices utilize barium ferrite, a magnetic material that can take on a complex ferromagnetic fluid phase at room temperature. Barium titanate and barium zirconate (when combined, known as barium zirconate titanate or BZT) are piezoelectric, ferroelectric perovskite crystals that can function as dielectric materials in capacitors, electrolytes in solid oxide fuel cells, and nonlinear optical crystals; barium fluoride is another common optical material used in lenses, windows, and scintillators due to its wide transparency in the ultraviolet and infrared spectra.
Products
Barium has applications in glass, electronics, medicine, paints and colorants. Barium sulfate is opaque to x-rays and can be safely swallowed as a suspension, and thus 
it is frequently used as a contrast medium for imaging the gastrointestinal tract. Electronic coatings based on barium titanate are essential to cell phones and other microelectronics. Barium is available in both metallic and compound forms with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity). 
Elemental or metallic forms include pellets, rod, wire and granules for evaporation source material purposes. Barium oxide is an insoluble barium source available in powder and dense pellet form for such uses as optical coating and thin film applications. Barium fluoride is another insoluble form for uses in which oxygen is undesirable such as metallurgy, chemical and physical vapor deposition and in some optical coatings. Barium is also available in soluble forms including chlorides, nitrates and acetates. These compounds can be manufactured as solutions at specified stoichiometries.
Barium Properties
Barium is a Block S, Group 2, Period 6 element.
The number of electrons in each of Barium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 18, 8, 2 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 6s2. 
Barium is a member of the alkaline-earth metals. The barium atom has a radius of 222.pm and its Van der Waals radius is 268.pm. In its elemental form, CAS 7440-39-3, barium has a silvery-gray appearance. The main commercial source of barium is barite, BaSO4. Barium was discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1772 and first isolated by Humphry Davy in 1808.
Health, Safety & Transportation Information for Barium
Barium powder can ignite spontaneously in air, and when Barium compounds are water or acid soluble, they are very poisonous. Safety data for Barium and its compounds can vary widely depending on the form. For potential hazard information, toxicity, and road, sea and air transportation limitations, such as DOT Hazard Class, DOT Number, EU Number, NFPA Health rating and RTECS Class, please see the specific material or compound referenced in the Products tab. The below information applies to elemental (metallic) Barium.
| Safety Data | |
|---|---|
| Signal Word | Danger |
| Hazard Statements | H261-H315-H319-H335 |
| Hazard Codes | F,Xi |
| Risk Codes | 11-14/15-36/37/38 |
| Safety Precautions | 16-26-36/37-43 |
| RTECS Number | CQ8370000 |
| Transport Information | UN 1400 4.3/PG 2 |
| WGK Germany | 3 |
| Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling (GHS) |
  |
SECTION 1. IDENTIFICATION
Product Name: Barium Metal
Product Number: All applicable American Elements product codes, e.g. BA-M-02, BA-M-03, BA-M-04, BA-M-05
CAS #: 7440-39-3
Relevant identified uses of the substance: Scientific research and development
Supplier details:
American Elements
1093 Broxton Ave. Suite 2000
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: +1 310-208-0551
Fax: +1 310-208-0351
Emergency telephone number:
Domestic, North America +1 800-424-9300
International +1 703-527-3887
SECTION 2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Classification of the substance or mixture
Classification according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
GHS02 Flame
Flam. Sol. 1 H228 Flammable solid.
Water-react. 2 H261 In contact with water releases flammable gas.
Classification according to Directive 67/548/EEC or Directive 1999/45/EC
F; Highly flammable
R11-14/15: Highly flammable. Reacts violently with water, liberating extremely flammable gases.
Information concerning particular hazards for human and environment:
Not applicable
Hazards not otherwise classified
No information known.
Label elements
Labelling according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
The substance is classified and labeled according to the CLP regulation.
Hazard pictograms
GHS02
Signal word
Danger
Hazard statements
H228 Flammable solid.
H261 In contact with water releases flammable gas.
Precautionary statements
P210 Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking.
P231+P232 Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture.
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P370+P378 In case of fire: Use for extinction: Fire-extinguishing powder.
P402+P404 Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container.
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/
national/international regulations.
WHMIS classification
B6 - Reactive flammable material
Classification system
HMIS ratings (scale 0-4)
(Hazardous Materials Identification System)
HEALTH
FIRE
REACTIVITY
1
3
2
Health (acute effects) = 1
Flammability = 3
Physical Hazard = 2
Other hazards
Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT:
Not applicable.
vPvB:
Not applicable
SECTION 3. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Chemical characterization: Substances
CAS# Description:
7440-39-3 Barium
Identification number(s):
EC number:
231-149-1
SECTION 4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Description of first aid measures
After inhalation
Supply fresh air. If required, provide artificial respiration. Keep patient warm.
Seek immediate medical advice.
After skin contact
Immediately wash with water and soap and rinse thoroughly.
Seek immediate medical advice.
After eye contact
Rinse opened eye for several minutes under running water. Then consult a doctor.
After swallowing
Seek medical treatment.
Information for doctor
Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
No further relevant information available.
Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
No further relevant information available.
SECTION 5. FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
Extinguishing media
Suitable extinguishing agents
In case of fire, use sand, carbon dioxide or powdered extinguishing agent. Never use water.
For safety reasons unsuitable extinguishing agents
Water
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Reacts violently with water
If this product is involved in a fire, the following can be released:
Barium oxide
Advice for firefighters
Protective equipment:
Wear self-contained respirator.
Wear fully protective impervious suit.
SECTION 6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Wear protective equipment. Keep unprotected persons away.
Ensure adequate ventilation
Keep away from ignition sources
Environmental precautions:
Do not allow product to reach sewage system or any water course.
Do not allow to penetrate the ground/soil.
Methods and material for containment and cleaning up:
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Do not flush with water or aqueous cleansing agents
Prevention of secondary hazards:
Keep away from ignition sources.
Reference to other sections
See Section 7 for information on safe handling
See Section 8 for information on personal protection equipment.
See Section 13 for disposal information.
SECTION 7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling
Precautions for safe handling
Handle under dry protective gas.
Keep container tightly sealed.
Store in cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.
Ensure good ventilation at the workplace.
Reacts violently with water
Information about protection against explosions and fires:
Protect against electrostatic charges.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Storage
Requirements to be met by storerooms and receptacles:
Store in a cool location.
Information about storage in one common storage facility:
Store away from water/moisture.
Store away from air.
Further information about storage conditions:
Store under dry inert gas.
Protect from humidity and water.
Keep container tightly sealed.
Store in cool, dry conditions in well sealed containers.
Specific end use(s)
No further relevant information available.
SECTION 8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
Additional information about design of technical systems:
Properly operating chemical fume hood designed for hazardous chemicals and having an average face velocity of at least 100 feet per minute.
Control parameters
Components with limit values that require monitoring at the workplace:
7440-39-3 Barium (100.0%)
PEL (USA) Long-term value: 0.5 mg/m³
as Ba
REL (USA) Long-term value: 0.5 mg/m³
and soluble compounds, as Ba
TLV (USA) Long-term value: 0.5 mg/m³
as Ba
EL (Canada) Long-term value: 0.5 mg/m³
as Ba
EV (Canada) Long-term value: 0.5 mg/m³
as Ba
Additional information:
No data
Exposure controls
Personal protective equipment
General protective and hygienic measures
The usual precautionary measures for handling chemicals should be followed.
Keep away from foodstuffs, beverages and feed.
Remove all soiled and contaminated clothing immediately.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of work.
Maintain an ergonomically appropriate working environment.
Breathing equipment:
Use suitable respirator when high concentrations are present.
Recommended filter device for short term use:
Use a respirator with type P100 (USA) or P3 (EN 143) cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. Risk assessment should be performed to determine if air-purifying respirators are appropriate. Only use equipment tested and approved under appropriate government standards.
Protection of hands:
Impervious gloves
Check protective gloves prior to each use for their proper condition.
The selection of suitable gloves not only depends on the material, but also on quality. Quality will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Material of gloves
Nitrile rubber, NBR
Penetration time of glove material (in minutes)
480
Glove thickness
0.11 mm
Eye protection:
Safety glasses
Full face protection
Body protection:
Protective work clothing.
SECTION 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Information on basic physical and chemical properties
General Information
Appearance:
Form: Solid in various forms
Color: Silver grey
Odor: Odorless
Odor threshold: Not determined.
pH-value: Not applicable.
Change in condition
Melting point/Melting range: 727 °C (1341 °F)
Boiling point/Boiling range: 1640 °C (2984 °F)
Sublimation temperature / start: Not determined
Flammability (solid, gaseous)
Highly flammable.
Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases.
Ignition temperature: Not determined
Decomposition temperature: Not determined
Auto igniting: Not determined.
Danger of explosion: Not determined.
Explosion limits:
Lower: Not determined
Upper: Not determined
Vapor pressure at 547 °C (1017 °F): 0.0013 hPa
Density at 20 °C (68 °F): 3.62 g/cm³ (30.209 lbs/gal)
Relative density
Not determined.
Vapor density
Not applicable.
Evaporation rate
Not applicable.
Solubility in / Miscibility with Water: Reacts violently
Contact with water releases flammable gases
Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined.
Viscosity:
dynamic: Not applicable.
kinematic: Not applicable.
Other information
No further relevant information available.
SECTION 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Reactivity
Reacts violently with water.
In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
Chemical stability
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Thermal decomposition / conditions to be avoided:
Decomposition will not occur if used and stored according to specifications.
Possibility of hazardous reactions
Contact with water releases flammable gases
Reacts violently with water
Conditions to avoid
No further relevant information available.
Incompatible materials:
Air
Water/moisture
Hazardous decomposition products:
Barium oxide
SECTION 11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Information on toxicological effects
Acute toxicity:
The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) contains acute toxicity
data for this substance.
LD/LC50 values that are relevant for classification:
No data
Skin irritation or corrosion:
May cause irritation
Eye irritation or corrosion:
May cause irritation
Sensitization:
No sensitizing effects known.
Germ cell mutagenicity:
No effects known.
Carcinogenicity:
EPA-CBD: Carginogenic potential cannot be determined.
ACGIH A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen: Inadequate data on which to classify the agent in terms of its carcinogenicity in humans and/or animals.
Reproductive toxicity:
No effects known.
Specific target organ system toxicity - repeated exposure:
No effects known.
Specific target organ system toxicity - single exposure:
No effects known.
Aspiration hazard:
No effects known.
Subacute to chronic toxicity:
The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) contains multiple dose toxicity
data for this substance.
Additional toxicological information:
To the best of our knowledge the acute and chronic toxicity of this substance is not fully known.
Carcinogenic categories
OSHA-Ca (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)
Substance is not listed.
SECTION 12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Toxicity
Aquatic toxicity:
No further relevant information available.
Persistence and degradability
No further relevant information available.
Bioaccumulative potential
No further relevant information available.
Mobility in soil
No further relevant information available.
Additional ecological information:
General notes:
Do not allow undiluted product or large quantities to reach ground water, water course or sewage system.
Avoid transfer into the environment.
Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT:
Not applicable.
vPvB:
Not applicable.
Other adverse effects
No further relevant information available.
SECTION 13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Waste treatment methods
Recommendation
Consult state, local or national regulations to ensure proper disposal.
Uncleaned packagings:
Recommendation:
Disposal must be made according to official regulations.
SECTION 14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
UN-Number
DOT, IMDG, IATA
UN1400
UN proper shipping name
DOT
Barium
IMDG, IATA
BARIUM
Transport hazard class(es)
DOT
Class
4.3 Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.
Label
4.3
Class
4.3 (W2) Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
Label
4.3
IMDG, IATA
Class
4.3 Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.
Label
4.3
Packing group
DOT, IMDG, IATA
II
Environmental hazards: Not applicable.
Special precautions for user
Warning: Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
EMS Number: F-G,S-O
Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL73/78 and the IBC Code
Not applicable.
Transport/Additional information: DOT
Marine Pollutant (DOT): No
UN "Model Regulation": UN1400, Barium, 4.3, II
SECTION 15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
National regulations
All components of this product are listed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Toxic Substances Control Act Chemical substance Inventory.
All components of this product are listed on the Canadian Domestic Substances List (DSL).
SARA Section 313 (specific toxic chemical listings)
7440-39-3 Barium
California Proposition 65
Prop 65 - Chemicals known to cause cancer
Substance is not listed.
Prop 65 - Developmental toxicity
Substance is not listed.
Prop 65 - Developmental toxicity, female
Substance is not listed.
Prop 65 - Developmental toxicity, male
Substance is not listed.
Information about limitation of use:
For use only by technically qualified individuals.
Other regulations, limitations and prohibitive regulations
Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) according to the REACH Regulations (EC) No. 1907/2006.
Substance is not listed.
The conditions of restrictions according to Article 67 and Annex XVII of the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH) for the manufacturing, placing on the market and use must be observed.
Substance is not listed.
Annex XIV of the REACH Regulations (requiring Authorisation for use)
Substance is not listed.
REACH - Pre-registered substances
Substance is listed.
Chemical safety assessment:
A Chemical Safety Assessment has not been carried out.
16. OTHER INFORMATION
Safety Data Sheet according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH). The above information is believed to be correct but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. The information in this document is based on the present state of our knowledge and is applicable to the product with regard to appropriate safety precautions. It does not represent any guarantee of the properties of the product. American Elements shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product. See reverse side of invoice or packing slip for additional terms and conditions of sale. COPYRIGHT 1997-2016 AMERICAN ELEMENTS. LICENSED GRANTED TO MAKE UNLIMITED PAPER COPIES FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY.
Barium Isotopes
Barium has six stable isotopes: 132Ba, 134Ba, 135Ba, 136Ba, 137Ba, and 138Ba.
| Nuclide | Isotopic Mass | Half-Life | Mode of Decay | Nuclear Spin | Magnetic Moment | Binding Energy (MeV) | Natural Abundance (% by atom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 114Ba | 113.95068(15) | 530(230) ms [0.43(+30-15) s] | β+ + p to 114Xe; β+ to 114Cs; β+ + α to 110I | 0+ | N/A | 904.72 | - |
| 115Ba | 114.94737(64)# | 0.45(5) s | β+ to 115Cs; β+ + p to 114Xe | (5/2+)# | N/A | 922.11 | - |
| 116Ba | 115.94138(43)# | 1.3(2) s | β+ to 116Cs; β+ + p to 115Xe | 0+ | N/A | 930.19 | - |
| 117Ba | 116.93850(32)# | 1.75(7) s | β+ to 117Cs; β+ + α to 113I; β+ + p to 116Xe | (3/2)(+#) | N/A | 947.59 | - |
| 118Ba | 117.93304(21)# | 5.2(2) s | β+ to 118Cs; β+ + p to 117Xe | 0+ | N/A | 955.67 | - |
| 119Ba | 118.93066(21) | 5.4(3) s | β+ to 119Cs; β+ + p to 118Xe | (5/2+) | N/A | 963.74 | - |
| 120Ba | 119.92604(32) | 24(2) s | β+ to 120Cs | 0+ | N/A | 981.14 | - |
| 121Ba | 120.92405(15) | 29.7(15) s | β+ to 121Cs; β+ + p to 120Xe | 5/2(+) | N/A | 989.22 | - |
| 122Ba | 121.91990(3) | 1.95(15) min | β+ to 122Cs | 0+ | N/A | 1006.61 | - |
| 123Ba | 122.918781(13) | 2.7(4) min | β+ to 123Cs | 5/2(+) | N/A | 1014.69 | - |
| 124Ba | 123.915094(13) | 11.0(5) min | β+ to 124Cs | 0+ | N/A | 1022.77 | - |
| 125Ba | 124.914473(12) | 3.5(4) min | β+ to 125Cs | 1/2(+#) | N/A | 1030.85 | - |
| 126Ba | 125.911250(13) | 100(2) min | β+ to 126Cs | 0+ | N/A | 1038.93 | - |
| 127Ba | 126.911094(12) | 12.7(4) min | β+ to 127Cs | 1/2+ | N/A | 1047.01 | - |
| 128Ba | 127.908318(11) | 2.43(5) d | EC to 128Cs | 0+ | N/A | 1064.4 | - |
| 129Ba | 128.908679(12) | 2.23(11) h | EC to 129Cs | 1/2+ | -0.4 | 1072.48 | - |
| 130Ba | 129.9063208(30) | 1.6 x 1021 y | 2EC to 130Xe | 0+ | N/A | 1080.56 | 0.106 |
| 131Ba | 130.906941(3) | 11.50(6) d | EC to 131Cs | 1/2+ | 0.7081 | 1088.64 | - |
| 132Ba | 131.9050613(11) | Observationally Stable | - | 0+ | N/A | 1096.72 | 0.101 |
| 133Ba | 132.9060075(11) | 10.51(5) y | EC to 133Cs | 1/2+ | 0.7717 | 1104.8 | - |
| 134Ba | 133.9045084(4) | STABLE | - | 0+ | N/A | 1112.87 | 2.417 |
| 135Ba | 134.9056886(4) | STABLE | - | 3/2+ | 0.837943 | 1120.95 | 6.592 |
| 136Ba | 135.9045759(4) | STABLE | - | 0+ | N/A | 1129.03 | 7.854 |
| 137Ba | 136.9058274(5) | STABLE | - | 3/2+ | 0.937365 | 1137.11 | 11.232 |
| 138Ba | 137.9052472(5) | STABLE | - | 0+ | N/A | 1145.19 | 71.698 |
| 139Ba | 138.9088413(5) | 83.06(28) min | β- to 139La | 7/2- | -0.97 | 1153.27 | - |
| 140Ba | 139.910605(9) | 12.752(3) d | β- to 140La | 0+ | N/A | 1152.03 | - |
| 141Ba | 140.914411(9) | 18.27(7) min | β- to 141La | 3/2- | N/A | 1160.11 | - |
| 142Ba | 141.916453(7) | 10.6(2) min | β- to 142La | 0+ | N/A | 1168.19 | - |
| 143Ba | 142.920627(14) | 14.5(3) s | β- to 143La | 5/2- | N/A | 1166.95 | - |
| 144Ba | 143.922953(14) | 11.5(2) s | β- to 144La | 0+ | N/A | 1175.03 | - |
| 145Ba | 144.92763(8) | 4.31(16) s | β- to 145La | 5/2- | N/A | 1183.11 | - |
| 146Ba | 145.93022(8) | 2.22(7) s | β- to 146La; β- + n to 145La | 0+ | N/A | 1181.87 | - |
| 147Ba | 146.93495(22)# | 0.893(1) s | β- to 147La; β- + n to 146La | (3/2+) | N/A | 1189.95 | - |
| 148Ba | 147.93772(9) | 0.612(17) s | β- to 148La; β- + n to 147La | 0+ | N/A | 1198.03 | - |
| 149Ba | 148.94258(21)# | 344(7) ms | β- to 149La; β- + n to 148La | 3/2-# | N/A | 1196.79 | - |
| 150Ba | 149.94568(43)# | 300 ms | β- to 150La | 0+ | N/A | 1204.87 | - |
| 151Ba | 150.95081(43)# | 200# ms [>300 ns] | β- to 151La | 3/2-# | N/A | 1203.63 | - |
| 152Ba | 151.95427(54)# | 100# ms | β- to 152La | 0+ | N/A | 1211.71 | - |
| 153Ba | 152.95961(86)# | 80# ms | β- to 153La | 5/2-# | N/A | 1219.79 | - |