Strontium hydroxide octahydrate is used in the refining of beet sugar, where it helps separate sugar from impurities by forming soluble complexes with certain carbohydrates. It serves as a precursor in the production of other strontium compounds, such as strontium carbonate and nitrate, which are applied in ceramics, plastics, the electrical industry, and specialty glass and ceramics requiring high refractive indices. Due to its strong basicity, it is employed in water treatment and wastewater processes to remove sulfate and carbonate ions, control pH, and precipitate certain heavy metals. It acts as a saponifying agent for fatty acids in the synthesis of lubricating oils and greases, and as a base catalyst in some organic syntheses. Additionally, its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from air makes it useful in laboratory analysis for CO2 detection and in certain gas purification systems.