Which compound is used as a clinical radio-contrast agent for gastrointestinal X-ray imaging because of its total water insolubility?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Barium sulfate
- Step 1: Free barium ions (Ba2+) are severely toxic to cardiovascular and neuromuscular tissues. Step 2. BaSO4 has an extremely low solubility product (K_sp ~ 10^(-10)), making it non-absorbable and safe for oral 'barium meal' X-ray studies. Answer: Barium sulfate (BaSO4). Why not the others: BaCl2 is highly water-soluble and lethal; BaCO3 dissolves in acidic gastric juice releasing toxic Ba2+; Ba(NO3)2 is soluble and toxic.
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