Ba(OH)2 is a strong base. 1 When dissolved in water, it completely dissociates into barium ions (Ba2+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). This full dissociation leads to a high concentration of hydroxide ions in the solution, making it a strong base with a high pH value.
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Key Takeaways: Is Ba(OH)2 a Strong or Weak Base?
- Ba(OH)2 is a strong base due to its ability to completely dissociate into hydroxide ions (OH-) and barium ions (Ba2+) in water, leading to a high concentration of OH- ions and a strongly basic solution.
- In contrast, weak bases only partially dissociate in water, resulting in a lower concentration of hydroxide ions and a weaker basic solution.
- The strong basic nature of Ba(OH)2 makes it useful as a chemical reagent, a precursor in the production of other barium compounds, a water treatment agent, and for neutralizing acidic waste.
Why is Ba(OH)2 a strong base?
Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2) is considered a strong base due to its ability to dissociate completely into hydroxide ions (OH-) and barium ions (Ba2+) in an aqueous solution.
When Ba(OH)2 is dissolved in water, it undergoes a dissociation reaction:
Ba(OH)2 (s) → Ba2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq)
The hydroxide ions released by the dissociation of Ba(OH)2 are responsible for its strong basic properties. These hydroxide ions readily accept protons (H+) from water molecules, leading to an increase in hydroxide ion concentration in the solution. The presence of a high concentration of hydroxide ions in the solution makes the solution strongly basic.
Strong bases are substances that dissociate almost completely into hydroxide ions and cations (metal ions) when dissolved in water. In contrast, weak bases only partially dissociate, resulting in a lower concentration of hydroxide ions in the solution. 2 The strength of a base is related to the extent of its dissociation in water and its ability to generate hydroxide ions.
Barium hydroxide is not commonly encountered in everyday situations due to its strong basic nature and potential hazards. It is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with skin. 3 4 Therefore, it is essential to handle it with great care and adhere to safety guidelines when working with such strong bases.
How does the dissociation of Ba(OH)2 differ from that of a weak base?
Here is a table for comparison of the dissociation of Ba(OH)2 (a strong base) and a generic weak base represented as “B”.
| Dissociation in Water | Ba(OH)2 (Strong Base) | Weak Base (B) |
| Chemical Equation | Ba(OH)2 (s) → Ba2+(aq) + 2 OH–(aq) | B(aq) ⇌ B+(aq) + OH–(aq) |
| Degree of Dissociation | Almost complete dissociation 5 | Partial dissociation 6 7 |
| Hydroxide Ion Formation | Produces a high concentration of OH- ions 8 9 10 | Produces a low concentration of OH- ions 11 |
| pH of the Solution | Results in a strongly basic solution with a high pH 12 | Results in a weakly basic solution with a moderate pH 13 |
| Conductivity | High conductivity due to a large number of ions 14 | Lower conductivity due to fewer ions 15 |
| Examples | Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2) | Ammonia (NH3), Acetic acid (CH3COOH) |
In the table above, “B” represents a generic weak base. It is important to note that the dissociation reaction for weak bases is represented with a double arrow (⇌) to indicate that it is an equilibrium reaction, and the dissociation is only partial.
Applications of Ba(OH)2 based on its strong basic nature
Due to its strong basic nature, barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2) has various applications in different industries and chemical processes. Some of the key applications are as follows:
- Chemical Reagent: Ba(OH)2 is commonly used as a strong base in chemical laboratories and industries to carry out various chemical reactions. Its ability to neutralize acidic substances makes it valuable in titrations and analytical chemistry. 16
- Manufacture of Other Barium Compounds: Ba(OH)2 serves as a precursor in the production of other barium compounds. For example, it is used to produce barium carbonate (BaCO3) and barium chloride (BaCl2).
- Water Treatment: Ba(OH)2 can be used in water treatment processes to remove certain impurities and ions from water. It can help in the precipitation of metals, such as iron and manganese, as their hydroxide precipitates. 17
- Neutralization of Acidic Waste: Industries generate acidic waste during various processes. Ba(OH)2 can be used to neutralize this acidic waste before disposal, preventing environmental damage. 18
- Synthesis of Organic Compounds: In organic synthesis, Ba(OH)2 can be used as a strong base in various reactions, such as the hydrolysis of esters and nitriles. 19
- Catalysis: In some chemical reactions, Ba(OH)2 can act as a catalyst, accelerating the reaction rate without being consumed in the process. 20 21
- Concrete Additive: In the construction industry, small amounts of Ba(OH)2 can be used as an additive to concrete to improve its strength and durability. 22
Further reading
Is KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) a Strong or Weak Base?
Is NH3 (Ammonia) a Strong Base or Weak Base?
Is NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide) a Strong or Weak Base?
Is Calcium Hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] a Strong Base?
Is LiOH a Strong Base?
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References
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