Reaction of Barium With Ammonium Carbonate

A soluble carbonate such as ammonium carbonate reacts with Ba2+ to precipitate white barium carbonate:

Aqueous ammonia should also be added to ensure complete precipitation. The aqueous ammonia assures that the concentration of carbonate ion will be high enough by preventing the hydrolysis of carbonate ion to form hydrogen carbonate ion:

Barium carbonate is soluble in acid, including dilute acetic acid, in strong bases, and in aqueous ammonia.