Question

Why alcohol is used in the preparation of barium sulphate reagent?

Answer 1

berium sulphate in practically insoluble in alcohol.but soluble in hot conc.sulfuric acid,thus if in alcoholic medium we collect it easily. (not sure) if you have better answer please share.

Answer 2

Alcohol is used in the preparation of barium sulphate reagent increases the sensitivity of the test and prevents super saturation.

Explanation:

• Role of alcohol in barium sulphate reagent:-
• Reagent Barium sulphate contains barium chloride, some sulphate–free alcohol and a small quantity of potassium sulphate.
• The use of a small quantity of potassium sulphate in the reagent will increase the sensitivity of the test.
• Here Alcohol prevents supersaturation and more uniform turbidity develops.
• In the Limit test of sulphate, the reaction is based on the solubility of sulphate with barium chloride in presence of alcohol and potassium sulphate to form barium sulphate.
• These appears as solid particles which are otherwise turbidity in the solution.
• The use of alcohol is added in order to prevent supersaturation.