Bases

Any material that is slippery to the touch in an aqueous solution, tastes bitter, alters the colour of indicators (e.g., turns red litmus paper blue), combines with acids to produce salts.

Base compounds have a harsh aftertaste. Most bases have a soapy feel. When tested on litmus paper, it usually converts red to blue. In solution, the base compounds conduct electricity as well. OH- ions are released when base compounds are dissolved in water.

Bases of several types: 

Bases may be classified using three variables: acidity, concentration, and degree of ionisation. 

Acidity-Related Base Types: The quantity of hydroxyl ions present determines the acidity of bases. Bases are categorised into three types based on their acidity:

  1. Monoacidic Base

  2. Diacidic Base

  3. Triacidic Base

Monoacidic

Monoacidic bases have only one hydroxyl ion and interact with only one hydrogen ion. NaOH, KOH, and other mono acidic bases are examples. 

Diacidic

A base with two hydroxyl ions that interact with two hydrogen ions is a di acidic base. Examples include Ca(OH), Mg(OH), and other di acidic bases. 

Triacidic

The Triacidic base comprises three hydroxyl ions and three hydrogen ions. Examples are Al(OH)3, Fe(OH)3, and other triadic bases.

  • Bases classified according to their concentration in aqueous solution:

Bases are classified into two types based on their concentration in aqueous solution:

  1. Concentrated Base

  2. Diluted Base

Concentrated

The base concentration in various solutions is more significant—for instance, a concentrated NaOH solution. 

Diluted

Diluted bases contain a reduced base concentration in their aqueous solution. For example, dilute NaOH, dilute KOH, and so on.

  • Bases classified according to their degree of ionisation:

Bases in the solution can be classified based on their degree of ionisation. It’s also referred to as foundation strength. This creates a particular amount of hydroxyl ions when dissolved in water. Bases are classified into two categories based on their degree of ionisation.

  1. Strong Base

  2. Weak Base

Strong

A strong base dissociates entirely or almost entirely in water. For example, NaOH, KOH, and so forth.

Weak

A weak base does not entirely dissolve or merely dissociate to a superficial level. For example, NH4OH, and so on.

Bases have the following properties

 Bases’ General Characteristics:

  1. Bases discharge a hydroxide ion (OH–) into water. As more ions are released, the stronger the base grows.

  2. Acids and bases react. Water and a molecule known as salt are generated when an acid and a base react.

  3. Because of the presence of litmus, bases turn a reddish-blue colour.

Bases can change the structure of a protein. Bases have this characteristic, which gives them a sleek feel. Soap is a base that, when wet, becomes extremely slippery on your skin. Some strong bases are highly dangerous due to their potential to change the structure of proteins.

Because human skin includes a high concentration of proteins, powerful bases that dissolve in water, such as lye, are especially dangerous. When these potent bases come into touch with the skin, they change the skin’s structure. This can cause burns. Strong bases should be used with caution to avoid skin irritation. 

Bases’ Physical Properties

  1. Bases have a bitter taste- There are only a few alkaline foods. It’s far more essential to taste the bases with prudence. Tasting bases are more dangerous than tasting acids because more robust bases can denature the protein.

  2. In water, bases produce a hydroxide ion.

  3. Protein is denatured by bases, which explains why your hands feel sticky when you’re near a base. Because protein makes up a significant amount of the structural substance of humans, strong bases that dissolve rapidly in water, such as sodium or potassium lye, are exceedingly dangerous. The use of powerful bases with caution can prevent significant flesh injury.

  4. Bases cause red litmus to become blue- This isn’t to say that litmus is the only acid-base indicator available; it’s just the oldest. 

Uses of Bases

  1. Sodium hydroxide is a chemical used in the production of soap and paper. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is also used in the manufacture of rayon.

  2. Ca(OH)2, also known as slaked lime or calcium hydroxide, makes bleaching powder.

  3. Calcium hydroxide is used to make dry paint and decoration formulations.

  4. Magnesium hydroxide, sometimes known as milk of magnesia, is a widely used laxative. Because it reduces excess acidity in the human stomach, it is also used as an antacid.

  5. Ammonium hydroxide is a binding reagent in labs.

  6. To neutralise excess acidity in soils, slaked lime can be utilised. 

Conclusion

A base seems to be a chemical entity that donates electrons, absorbs protons, or emits hydroxide (OH-) ions in an aqueous solution. Bases have distinct defining qualities that can aid in their identification. For example, they have a slick texture (like soap), have a harsh taste, combine with acids to create salts and accelerate specific processes. Arrhenius bases, Bronsted-Lowry bases, and Lewis bases are examples of base types. Alkali metal hydroxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and soap are bases. The method by which a foundation function has been debated throughout history. When dissolved in water, a base takes a proton, releases a hydroxide anion, or gives an electron.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the NDA Examination Preparation.

What exactly are bases?

Ans.  Base compounds have a harsh aftertaste. Most bases have a soapy feel. When tested on litmus ...Read full

 What are the purposes of bases?

Ans. We use bases as cleaning agents and antacids at home. Popular DIY bases include soaps, lye (used in oven cleaners), magnesia...Read full

How does one go about determining the location of a base?

Ans. To establish whether the reaction is acidic or basic, count the hydrogens on each component before and after the reaction. W...Read full