Ba(OH)2, known as barium hydroxide, is classified as a base. This classification is based on its chemical properties and behavior in water.
Barium hydroxide consists of barium ions (Ba2+) and hydroxide ions (OH–). When Ba(OH)2 is dissolved in water, it dissociates into its constituent ions:
- Ba2+ + 2OH–
The presence of hydroxide ions is key here. In the context of the Brønsted-Lowry definition, bases are substances that can accept protons (H+). The hydroxide ions in barium hydroxide can react with acids by accepting protons, which further establishes its classification as a base.
Additionally, barium hydroxide is a strong base, meaning it will fully dissociate in solution, leading to a significant increase in the hydroxide ion concentration. This fact allows us to infer that solutions of Ba(OH)2 will have a high pH, making them basic.
In summary, Ba(OH)2 is a base because it dissociates into hydroxide ions in solution, which are characteristic of basic substances.