Buying Guide: Barium Hydroxide Monohydrate
If Barium Hydroxide Monohydrate is a key chemical in your industrial operations—such as wastewater treatment, chemical manufacturing, or analytical processes—this guide is designed to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Barium Hydroxide Monohydrate is an inorganic compound known for its strong alkaline properties and reactivity with sulfates and carbonates. It is especially valuable for neutralization, purification, and precipitation processes across various industries.
Its ability to react with acidic and sulfate-containing compounds makes it effective for desulfurization, water softening, and specialty chemical synthesis.
Description
Barium Hydroxide Monohydrate (Ba(OH)₂·H₂O) is a white, crystalline solid that readily dissolves in water and alcohol, forming a strong basic solution. It is commonly supplied in granule, flake, or powder form.
It is often used in analytical chemistry for titration of weak acids, in manufacturing lubricants and barium-based compounds, and for softening water by removing sulfates and carbonates.
| Property |
Specification |
| Appearance |
White crystals or powder |
| Chemical Formula |
Ba(OH)₂·H₂O |
| Purity |
≥98% (analytical grade), ≥95% (industrial grade) |
| Solubility |
Soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol |
| pH (1% solution) |
>12 |
| Molecular Weight |
171.34 g/mol |
| Melting Point |
Decomposes around 78°C (loses water of hydration) |
| Shelf Life |
24 months when properly stored |
| Packaging |
25 kg bags/drums or customized bulk packaging |
Barium Hydroxide Applications
Barium Hydroxide Monohydrate is a versatile compound with widespread use across these key sectors:
1. Water and Wastewater Treatment
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Removes sulfates through precipitation.
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Neutralizes acidic wastewater.
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Used in flue gas treatment and industrial water purification.
2. Chemical Manufacturing
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Precursor for producing barium salts like barium carbonate and nitrate.
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Used in synthesis of specialty lubricants and greases.
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Acts as a strong base in organic reactions.
3. Analytical Chemistry
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Used for titration of weak acids.
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Absorbs carbon dioxide in gas analysis.
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Provides a known concentration of hydroxide in lab processes.
4. Glass and Ceramic Industry
5. Other Applications
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Used in electronics, metallurgy, and heat stabilization for plastics.
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Occasionally used in pharmaceuticals and pigments (with purity restrictions).
Grades & Specifications
| Grade Type |
Purity Level |
Typical Use |
| Analytical Grade |
≥98% |
Titrations, lab reagents |
| Industrial Grade |
95–97% |
Water treatment, chemical production |
| Technical Grade |
90–95% |
Desulfurization, bulk industrial usage |
Is Barium Hydroxide Monohydrate Corrosive?
Yes. Barium Hydroxide is a strong base and corrosive, especially in moist conditions or in aqueous solutions. It can cause severe skin and eye irritation.
Always handle with PPE (gloves, goggles, face protection) and refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for proper safety protocols.
Is Barium Hydroxide Monohydrate Toxic?
Yes. Barium compounds are toxic if ingested or inhaled, and can affect the nervous and muscular systems by interfering with potassium ion channels.
Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal practices. Residuals must not be released into the environment without proper treatment.
Is Barium Hydroxide Monohydrate Explosive?
No, it is not explosive. However, it should not be mixed with acids (can cause vigorous reactions and heat), ammonium salts (risk of toxicity), or organic materials (may form flammable byproducts).
Store in dry, cool, and well-ventilated areas, away from incompatible substances.
Barium Hydroxide vs. Other Alkalis
| Parameter |
Barium Hydroxide |
Calcium Hydroxide |
Sodium Hydroxide |
| Strength |
Strong base |
Moderate base |
Strong base |
| Solubility in Water |
High (moderate) |
Low |
Very high |
| Toxicity |
High |
Low |
Moderate |
| Sulfate Removal |
Excellent |
Moderate |
Poor |
Barium Hydroxide is particularly effective where sulfate or carbonate removal is required, outperforming other bases in these specific roles.
Purity Standards
| Application |
Required Purity |
Regulations |
| Analytical Use |
≥98% |
ACS / Reagent grade standards |
| Water Treatment |
≥95% |
Local health and environmental codes |
| Industrial Chemical Synthesis |
90–97% |
REACH, ISO 9001 |
Ensure compliance with local and international standards depending on end use, especially for potable water or pharmaceutical applications.
Price & Supplier Considerations
Pricing depends on:
Evaluate Suppliers Using This Checklist:
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Certificate of Analysis (COA) and MSDS for each batch
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Batch-to-batch purity and moisture consistency
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Packaging options for bulk or long-term storage
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Compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards
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Technical support and after-sales service
Avoid suppliers that do not disclose monohydrate content, safety specs, or documentation. Impure or poorly handled barium hydroxide can lead to process contamination or equipment corrosion.
How to Buy Barium Hydroxide Monohydrate
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Define Usage
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Clarify industry, application (e.g., sulfate removal, titration), and handling needs.
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Choose grade based on purity and regulatory requirements.
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Request Technical Documents
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Obtain TDS, MSDS, and COA.
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Verify product form (monohydrate vs. octahydrate or anhydrous).
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Test Compatibility
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Inspect Packaging & Storage
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Must be sealed, moisture-proof, and clearly labeled.
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Avoid exposure to air and humidity to prevent caking and degradation.
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Partner with Reputable Suppliers
