Buying Guide: Barium Hydroxide Octahydrate
If Barium Hydroxide Octahydrate is a key component in your industrial operations—such as wastewater treatment, chemical synthesis, or analytical chemistry—this guide is tailored to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Barium Hydroxide Octahydrate is an inorganic compound valued for its strong alkaline properties and its reactivity with sulfates, acids, and carbonates. Its high water content and chemical characteristics make it effective for use in neutralization, purification, and precipitation processes across various industries.
Description
Barium Hydroxide Octahydrate (Ba(OH)₂·8H₂O) is a white, crystalline solid with high water content.
It dissolves readily in water, forming a strongly basic solution.
Compared to the monohydrate form, the octahydrate is more commonly available at room temperature and is easier to handle due to its more stable, less hygroscopic nature.
It is used in analytical chemistry, barium compound synthesis, and water treatment applications.
| Property |
Specification |
| Appearance |
White crystals or powder |
| Chemical Formula |
Ba(OH)₂·8H₂O |
| Purity |
≥98% (analytical grade), ≥95% (industrial) |
| Solubility |
Soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol |
| pH (1% solution) |
>12 |
| Molecular Weight |
315.46 g/mol |
| Melting Point |
~78°C (decomposes, loses water) |
| Shelf Life |
24 months when stored properly |
| Packaging |
25 kg bags/drums or customized packaging |
Barium Hydroxide Octahydrate Applications
1. Water and Wastewater Treatment
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Removes sulfates and carbonates via precipitation.
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Neutralizes acidic effluents.
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Used in flue gas scrubbing and softening processes.
2. Chemical Manufacturing
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Intermediate in the production of other barium salts (e.g., barium carbonate, nitrate).
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Used in formulation of specialty greases and lubricants.
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Serves as a strong base in various organic and inorganic syntheses.
3. Analytical Chemistry
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Used for titration of weak acids.
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Commonly applied in CO₂ absorption in gas analysis.
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Supplies a controlled hydroxide concentration for lab work.
4. Glass and Ceramics
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Enhances strength, clarity, and chemical resistance in specialty glass and ceramics.
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Acts as a fluxing agent during high-temperature processing.
5. Other Uses
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Found in electronics, metallurgy, and polymer stabilization.
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Used in some pigments and pharmaceuticals (under strict purity regulations).
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 use |
Is Barium Hydroxide Octahydrate Corrosive?
Yes. Like all barium hydroxide forms, the octahydrate is a strong base and is corrosive, particularly in moist environments.
It can cause severe skin and eye irritation upon contact.
Always use PPE (gloves, goggles, protective clothing), and consult the MSDS for handling protocols.
Is Barium Hydroxide Octahydrate Toxic?
Yes. Barium compounds are toxic if ingested or inhaled, affecting muscular and nervous systems by interfering with potassium ion regulation.
Proper handling, storage, and environmental safety measures must be followed, including careful disposal of residues.
Is Barium Hydroxide Octahydrate Explosive?
No, it is not explosive. However, it:
-
Reacts vigorously with acids (producing heat and barium salts)
-
Should not be mixed with ammonium salts (toxic fumes possible)
-
May form flammable byproducts with organic materials
Store in dry, cool, and well-ventilated areas away from reactive substances.
Barium Hydroxide vs. Other Alkalis
| Parameter |
Barium Hydroxide |
Calcium Hydroxide |
Sodium Hydroxide |
| Strength |
Strong base |
Moderate base |
Strong base |
| Water Solubility |
Moderate |
Low |
Very high |
| Toxicity |
High |
Low |
Moderate |
| Sulfate Removal |
Excellent |
Moderate |
Poor |
Barium Hydroxide Octahydrate stands out in sulfate and carbonate removal, offering high performance in applications where those are critical.
Purity Standards
| Application |
Required Purity |
Regulatory Standards |
| Analytical Applications |
≥98% |
ACS / Reagent grade |
| Water Treatment |
≥95% |
Local and international codes |
| Industrial Synthesis |
90–97% |
REACH, ISO 9001 |
Always ensure regulatory compliance, especially in environmental or pharmaceutical contexts.
Price & Supplier Considerations
Factors affecting price:
Supplier Checklist:
-
Certificate of Analysis (COA) and MSDS per batch
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Consistency in purity and moisture content
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Secure, sealed packaging
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Health, safety, and regulatory compliance
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Technical support and documentation
Avoid suppliers who do not specify the hydration form—octahydrate vs. monohydrate vs. anhydrous—as this directly affects application and reactivity.
How to Buy Barium Hydroxide Octahydrate
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Define Your Use
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Clarify the application (e.g., titration, sulfate removal).
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Choose grade and purity according to industry requirements.
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Request Technical Documents
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Obtain TDS, MSDS, and COA.
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Ensure you’re ordering octahydrate (8H₂O) and not another hydrate form.
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Perform Compatibility Tests
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Inspect Packaging & Storage
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Product should be in moisture-proof, sealed containers.
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Store in dry environments to prevent caking and hydration loss.
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Work with Reliable Suppliers
