2BaO

2BaO refers to Barium Oxide, a chemical compound with the formula BaO. It is a white solid that is highly hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. Barium oxide is a basic oxide, reacting with water to form barium hydroxide, Ba(OH)2. This reaction is exothermic, releasing heat. It also reacts with acids to form barium salts and water. Barium oxide is produced by the thermal decomposition of barium carbonate, BaCO3, or barium nitrate, Ba(NO3)2. The production process typically involves heating these compounds to high temperatures. Historically, barium oxide found use in vacuum tubes as a getter material to remove residual gas. It has also been employed in the production of specialty glass and ceramics due to its high refractive index and ability to lower the melting point of other materials. In some instances, it has been used in x-ray contrast media, though its toxicity limits this application. Barium oxide is considered a hazardous substance due to the reactivity of barium compounds with biological systems. Appropriate safety precautions are necessary when handling this chemical.