Barium hydride (BaH2) is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula BaH2. It is a white, hygroscopic solid that is soluble in polar organic solvents and insoluble in water. It has a variety of scientific research applications, including as a reducing agent in organic synthesis and as a catalyst for a wide range of reactions.
The molecular weight of a given barium hydride molecule is about 125 atomic weight units, and the molecular weight of an equimolar mixture is about 190 atomic weight units. It is a member of the halogenoid group, along with hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. It is also a component of some of the planet’s most complex supercritical fluids.
One of the more interesting properties of the barium hydride is its ability to generate a large amount of heat at low temperatures. This property is useful for a number of industrial processes, including the pyrolysis of waste in a boiler or gas turbine. It also enables the manufacture of large quantities of lithium batteries and is used in a variety of solar cells to produce electricity.
There are several methods of synthesizing the barium hydride, ranging from heating barium metal to the high temperatures required for a liquid synthesis to reacting a solution of barium hydroxide with a solution of hydrogen chloride gas at room temperature. The most efficient method for producing the coveted material is by electrolysis. Other methods include precipitation and chemical synthesis. The most significant drawback to the chemical process is that it takes up a lot of energy, making it unsuitable for use in small scale production.