verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
Print
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
base, in chemistry, any substance that in water solution is slippery to the touch, tastes bitter, changes the colour of indicators (e.g., turns red litmus paper blue), reacts with acids to form salts, and promotes certain chemical reactions (base catalysis). Examples of bases are the hydroxides of the alkali and alkaline earth metals (sodium, calcium, etc.) and the water solutions of ammonia or its organic derivatives (amines). Such substances produce hydroxide ions (OH-) in water solutions (see Arrhenius theory).
Broader definitions of a base, to include substances that exhibit typical basic behaviour as pure compounds or when dissolved in solvents other than water, are given by the Brønsted-Lowry theory and the Lewis theory.
More From Britannica
How Do Antacids Work?
FAQs
Examples of bases are sodium hydroxide, calcium carbonate and potassium oxide. A base is a substance that can neutralize the acid by reacting with hydrogen ions. Most bases are minerals that react with acids to form water and salts.
What are 5 examples of bases? ›
14.3: Bases: Properties and Examples
- Bases. Warning!
- Sodium Hydroxide.
- Potassium Hydroxide.
- Magnesium Hydroxide.
- Calcium Hydroxide.
- Ammonia.
- Summary.
Many substances or chemicals which we use in our daily life are actually Bases such as drain cleaner, detergent, lubricating grease, baking soda or baking powder, soaps, toothpaste, mouth wash, chewing gum, hair dye, pesticides etc.
What are the three definitions of base? ›
In chemistry, there are three definitions in common use of the word "base": Arrhenius bases, Brønsted bases, and Lewis bases. All definitions agree that bases are substances that react with acids, as originally proposed by G. -F. Rouelle in the mid-18th century.
Which definition describes a base? ›
base, in chemistry, any substance that in water solution is slippery to the touch, tastes bitter, changes the colour of indicators (e.g., turns red litmus paper blue), reacts with acids to form salts, and promotes certain chemical reactions (base catalysis).
What is the definition of a base and examples? ›
A base is a substance that can neutralize the acid by reacting with hydrogen ions. Most bases are minerals that react with acids to form water and salts. Bases include the oxides, hydroxides and carbonates of metals. The soluble bases are called alkalis. Sodium hydroxide is an alkali.
Is coffee an acid or base? ›
Most coffee varieties are acidic, with an average pH value of 4.85 to 5.10 ( 2 ). Among the countless compounds in this beverage, the brewing process releases nine major acids that contribute to its unique flavor profile.
Is vinegar a base? ›
Vinegar is very acidic, with a pH of 2–3. Apple cider vinegar is nutritionally similar to other types of vinegar. Some believe it's more alkalizing than other vinegars, but there's no evidence to support this.
Is toothpaste a base or acid? ›
Answer: Toothpaste is a Base, and it has an alkaline composition. As soon as we eat, the food breaks down and releases acid. We use toothpaste to brush our teeth to counteract the acidic influence in our mouths.
Is milk a base? ›
Milk is slightly acidic. As its pH is very near to 7, it is often considered neutral. However, it mostly isn't completely neutral because of the presence of lactic acid in milk. This acidity decreases the pH of milk over time and makes the milk more acidic and sour.
Chlorine bleach is a base and is especially good at removing stains and dyes from clothes as well as disinfecting.
What is the strongest base in the world? ›
The strongest base ever synthesised is orthodiethynyl benzene dianion; it was made by researchers of Queensland University of Technology (Australia).
What are 10 examples of bases? ›
Here are some strong base examples.
- Lithium Hydroxide LiOH.
- Sodium Hydroxide NaOH.
- Potassium Hydroxide KOH.
- Rubidium Hydroxide RbOH.
- Magnesium Hydroxide Mg(OH)₂
- Barium Hydroxide Ba(OH)₂
- Calcium Hydroxide Ca(OH)₂
- Strontium Hydroxide Sr(OH)₂
Uses of bases:
- Sodium hydroxide is used in the production of soap and paper. It is also used in the production of rayon.
- Slaked lime or calcium hydroxide is used in the production of bleaching powder.
- Magnesium hydroxide is used as a laxative.
- Ammonium hydroxide is an essential reagent in laboratories.
Hence, acids and bases mix in water to dissociate and form hydronium and hydroxide ions respectively.
What are 10 strong bases? ›
Strong Arrhenius Bases
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH )
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH )
- Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2 )
- Caesium hydroxide (CsOH )
- Strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)2 )
- Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2 )
- Lithium hydroxide (LiOH )
- Rubidium hydroxide (RbOH )
The Base 5 number system is also known as the quinary system. In this system, we only use 5 numerical digits (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4) unlike the commonly used decimal system which include 10 numerical digits ( 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9).
What are the 5 types of acids and bases? ›
Acid are Hydrochloric acid , sulphuric acid , Nitric acid, acetic acid and lactic acid . Base are Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and sodium carbonate .
