BaSO4ta

BaSO4ta appears to be a nonstandard or erroneous name for a chemical compound and is not recognized as a distinct substance in standard chemical databases. The term may be a misspelling, shorthand, or a variation of BaSO4, which is barium sulfate. This article therefore describes the well-established compound BaSO4 and notes that BaSO4ta is not a separate, widely accepted designation.

BaSO4 (barium sulfate) is an inorganic salt composed of barium ions (Ba2+) and sulfate ions (SO4^2−). It forms a white crystalline solid that is highly insoluble in water. Its high density and chemical stability contribute to its usefulness in various applications, especially in fields requiring a heavy, inert material.

Occurrence and production: BaSO4 occurs naturally as the mineral barite, found in hydrothermal veins and sedimentary rocks. Industrially, it is produced by precipitating Ba2+ salts with sulfate sources, and it is processed into fine powders or pigments for commercial use.

Uses: BaSO4 is widely used as a radiopaque contrast agent in medical imaging, particularly for X-ray and CT examinations of the gastrointestinal tract when ingested. It also serves as a filler or opacifying agent in paints, plastics, rubber, and paper. In the oil and gas industry, BaSO4 is used in drilling muds to increase density and stabilize boreholes.

Safety and handling: BaSO4 is essentially insoluble in water and exhibits limited absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to its safety profile for oral contrast applications. However, inhalation of dust can irritate the respiratory system and pose health risks, so appropriate dust control and personal protective equipment are advised during handling and processing. Always follow applicable safety guidelines and material data sheets.