Message
Precipitating CO2 as
BaCO3 is a standard method in qualitative analytical inorganic
chemistry.
CO2 generated from
material(s) to be tested for the presence of carbonate(s) is bubbled into a
clear solution of Ba(OH)2. If CO2 is present in the gas bubbling through this
solution, it will turn milky white and cloudy, and BaCO3 will eventually
precipitate.
This test is also a
useful in lectures to demonstrate the formation of CO2 during
fermentation.
Wolfram
Under what conditions does BaCO3 precipitate? I ask because a while
ago I tried precipitating BaSO4 from gulf of mexico porewaters and
had a coprecipitate with carbon in it (at least, that's what the EA told me),
but everyone I asked claimed BaCO3 shouldn't precipitate at all.
I'm rather relieved to know the compound at least exists, and would be
grateful for any information on how and where it forms.
Thanks,
Kristine