Group 2 sulfates are all white solids. The solubility of Group 2 sulfates decreases down the group.Barium sulfate is insoluble in water.The test for sulfate ions is the addition of barium chloride. Hydrochloric acid or nitric acid is first added to the solution to remove any carbonate ions as carbon dioxide.If sulfate SO42- ions are present a white precipitate forms.Ba2+(aq) + SO42-(aq) → BaSO4(s)
Barium sulfate is good at absorbing X-rays so is used to image soft-tissue. Barium sulfate is ingested as a barium meal and an X-ray of the tissues is taken. Barium compounds are highly toxic but sulfate is insoluble so the test is safe.
Barium sulfate is good at absorbing X-rays so is used to image soft-tissue. Barium sulfate is ingested as a barium meal and an X-ray of the tissues is taken. Barium compounds are highly toxic but sulfate is insoluble so the test is safe.