Bases and alkalis

Bases v alkalis
Bases are substances that react with acids and neutralise them. They are usually metal oxides, metal
hydroxides, metal carbonates or metal hydrogen carbonates. Many bases are insoluble - they do not
dissolve in water.
If a base does dissolve in water, we call it an alkali.
Here are two examples
Copper oxide is a base because it will react with acids and neutralise them, but it is not an
al!ali because it does not dissolve in water.
Sodium hydroxide(NaOh) is a base because it will react with acids and neutralise them. It"s
also an alkali because it dissolves in water.
#ll al!alis are bases, but only soluble bases are al!alis
Bases in the laboratory
$ou will have used some strong bases and al!alis at school, such as sodium hydroxide solution. %i!e
acids, their bottles are labelled with the warning symbol for 'irritant'. This means that they will ma!e
your s!in red or blistered unless you wash off any spills with plenty of water.
#l!alis feel soapy when they get on your s!in, so it is easy to tell when you have had an accident and
must wash your hands.
Concentrated al!alis are corrosive. They can attac! metals and destroy s!in if spilled. They are &ust as
dangerous as concentrated acids, but many people do not realise this.
Bases in the home
Bases react with oils and fats, so they are often used in strong household cleaners. 'rain cleaners and
oven cleaners usually contain sodium hydroxide for example. #nd ammonia is also commonly used in
cleaners. #mmonia can be recognised by its cho!ing smell.
It is wise to wear gloves when using these substances, otherwise they will react with your s!in and burn
it.
(ea! bases and al!alis are found in toothpaste, antacid tablets )to help cure an upset stomach* and
ba!ing powder.