The exact IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) name for barium nitrite, with the chemical formula Ba(NO₂)₂, is barium(2+); dinitrite.
Understanding Barium Nitrite
Barium nitrite is an inorganic salt composed of barium cations and nitrite anions. As with all chemical compounds, a standardized naming convention is crucial for clear communication in science and industry. The IUPAC nomenclature system provides a unique and unambiguous name for every chemical substance, eliminating confusion that can arise from common or trivial names.
The IUPAC Name Explained
The IUPAC name barium(2+); dinitrite precisely describes the composition of the compound:
- Barium(2+): This refers to the barium ion, which carries a +2 charge. In ionic compounds, the charge of the metal cation is often indicated, especially for metals that can exhibit multiple oxidation states, though barium predominantly forms a +2 ion.
- Dinitrite: This part indicates the presence of two nitrite ions (NO₂⁻). The prefix "di-" signifies two, and "nitrite" is the name for the polyatomic anion derived from nitrous acid.
Together, these components correctly represent the electrostatically neutral compound formed by one barium ion and two nitrite ions, ensuring the overall charge balances (2+ from barium and 2 × 1- from two nitrites).
Key Chemical Identifiers for Barium Nitrite
Beyond its IUPAC name, barium nitrite can be identified by several other chemical identifiers that provide unique and universal references for the substance. These are essential for databases, research, and ensuring precise identification across various applications.
| Identifier | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Ba(NO₂)₂ | Represents the elemental composition and ratio of atoms in the compound. |
| IUPAC Name | barium(2+); dinitrite | The systematic name derived from IUPAC rules, providing an unambiguous identification. |
| SMILES | N(=O)O-].N(=O)[O-].[Ba+2 | Simplified Molecular-Input Line-Entry System. A linear notation for describing the structure of chemical molecules, useful for computational applications. |
| InChI Identifier | InChI=1S/Ba.2HNO2/c;22-1-3/h;2(H,2,3)/q+2;;/p-2 | International Chemical Identifier. A standard, non-proprietary identifier that can encode structural information about a chemical substance, making it easier to search for and link data. |
| InChI Key | GJTDJAPHKDIQIQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L | A condensed, hashed version of the InChI identifier. It's a short, fixed-length character string that allows for easy web searches of chemical structures. |
Importance of Standardized Naming
The consistent use of IUPAC names and other chemical identifiers is vital for:
- Global Communication: Ensuring chemists and researchers worldwide can refer to the exact same substance without ambiguity, regardless of language.
- Safety: Correctly identifying chemicals is paramount for safe handling, storage, and disposal, preventing hazardous mix-ups.
- Data Retrieval: Facilitating accurate searching and indexing of chemical information in databases and scientific literature.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting international standards for labeling and documentation in various industries.
Chemical Structure and Formula
The chemical formula Ba(NO₂)₂ clearly indicates that barium nitrite is an ionic compound formed from one barium cation (Ba²⁺) and two nitrite anions (NO₂⁻). This structure underpins its chemical properties and reactivity as an inorganic salt.
