Bariumzouten

Bariumzouten is a colloquial term referring to compounds containing the barium cation (Ba²⁺). Barium is an alkaline earth metal, and its compounds exhibit a range of chemical properties and applications. Barium sulfate (BaSO₄) is perhaps the most well-known and widely used barium salt. It is virtually insoluble in water and is used in medicine as a radiocontrast agent for X-ray imaging of the digestive system. Its high atomic number allows it to effectively absorb X-rays, making internal structures visible.

Other barium salts, such as barium chloride (BaCl₂) and barium nitrate (Ba(NO₃)₂), are soluble in water and are toxic. These soluble barium compounds are used in various industrial processes, including the production of other barium chemicals, as pigments, and in pyrotechnics to produce green colors. Barium carbonate (BaCO₃) is another important barium salt, used in the production of bricks, tiles, and glass, as well as in rodenticides.

Due to the toxicity of soluble barium compounds, handling and disposal require careful consideration. In contrast, insoluble barium sulfate is considered relatively safe for medical use due to its lack of absorption by the body. The presence of barium in any form should be handled with appropriate safety precautions, especially when dealing with soluble salts.