A base is considered a substance that can neutralise the acid by interacting or reacting with hydrogen ions. There are different types of bases. We will briefly discuss all the types of bases and concepts of base and acids, bases and salts, and the acids and bases in this article.. The oxides, carbonates of metal and hydroxides are the bases. The soluble bases are called alkali like sodium hydroxide NaOH, known as alkali. While the bases are insoluble in water, they are not considered alkali; they are typically bases like Copper (II) oxide. That’s why, All alkalis are bases, but all bases are not considered alkalis.

Concept of a base

We can consider minerals to most of the bases. Let us know about acids, bases and salts. When these bases react with acid, then salt and water are formed. 

The oxides, carbonates of metal and hydroxides are the bases. The soluble bases are called alkali like sodium hydroxide NaOH, known as alkali. While the bases are insoluble in water, they are not considered alkali; they are typically bases like Copper (||) oxide. 

Types of Bases 

Mainly, there are five types of bases. Their name is a weak base, strong base, neutral base, solid base and super base. Now we shall talk about every type in brief. 

Strong Base 

Strong bases can remove a proton from a weak acid. When strong bases are dissolved in water, they dissociate into ions completely. A stable compound is formed when a strong base reacts with strong acid. 

Example: Sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide are strong bases. 

Weak Base 

When weak bases are dissolved in water, they dissociate incompletely. The aqueous solution consists of a weak base and its conjugate acid. It is said that protonation in a weak base remains incomplete. 

Example: pyridine, alanine, methylamine and ammonia are the weak bases. 

Superbase

Super bases are better at deprotonation than strong bases.  There are various weak conjugate acids of bases. A super base is formed when an alkali metal is mixed with its conjugate acid. 

Example: Sodium hydride is the super base. 

Neutral Base 

A bond is formed when the neutral base is combined with neutral acid. 

Solid Base 

Solid bases are active in the solid-state. 

Example: Silicon dioxide is a solid base. 

Properties of a base

  • The pH value of bases is more than 7. 
  • Bases contain hydroxide ions.
  • Bases convert indicator colour from red litmus paper to blue.
  • When bases react with acids, then they form salts. 
  • To conduct electricity, bases are converted into aqueous base solutions. 
  • Bases are used for promoting a few chemical reactions. 
  • Bases are bitter. 
  • The concentrated or strong bases appear caustic. 
  • The bases have the capability of accepting protons from the proton donors. That’s why they are also known as proton acceptors.
  • Bases react vigorously when they react with acids. 
  • Bases feel slippery in touch. 
  • Examples of the bases are ammonium hydroxide, metal hydroxides and metal oxides. 
  • Bases are defined as ionic compounds also, which produce negative hydroxide ions on dissolving with water. 

Uses of Bases 

  • Bases are used in the production of detergents and soaps. 
  • Bases are used for cleaning drains also. 
  • There is the use of bases in alkaline batteries also. 
  • Bases are used in the production of antacids. 
  • Bases are used for purifying the water.
  • Bases are used in synthesising many pharmaceutical products. 
  • Bases are used in the production of products for commercial cleaning.
  • There is the use of bases in manufacturing deodorants also. 
  • Bases are used in the production of cement and lime water. 
  • Baking soda used in the kitchen for cooking is also a base. 
  • There is the use of bases in Laboratories to titrate weak acids. 
  • Bases are used as washing soda also. 
  • Bases are used for softening the hard water. 

The acidity of the bases 

The acidity of the bases is defined as the presence of the number of ionisable hydroxide ions in a formula unit of the base. 

Based on acidity, bases are categorised into three types. Their names are monoacidic bases, acidic bases and triacidic bases. 

  • When one hydroxide ion is produced by the complete ionisation of a base molecule, it is known as a monoacidic base or monoprotic base. 
  • When two hydroxide ions are produced by the complete ionisation of a base molecule, the base is acidic or diprotic. 
  • When three hydroxide ions are produced by the complete ionisation of a base molecule, the base is known as a triacidic or triprotic base.

Conclusion

Bases are chemical species. Bases are substances that can accept protons. Bases can convert red litmus paper to blue. Bases are more than 7 in pH paper. There are types of bases also. I have discussed weak base, strong base, superbase, solid base and neutral base above. Based on acidity also, bases are categorised into three types. Those are monoprotic, diprotic and triprotic bases. There are various uses of bases such as washing soda baking soda in deodorant manufacturing, antacids etc. It’s all about the concept of bases. Bases have a wide role in our daily lives, so we should know about them briefly.