Properties of Bases

• Bases are substances which neutralize acids to form a salt and water only.
• Bases are proton acceptors (form OH-ions) and are mainly water insoluble.
• Indicators of bases

  • Have pH between 8 (weak) and 14 (strong)
  • Turns red litmus blue
  • Turns methyl orange indicator yellow
• Strong alkalis completely ionize in water producing lots of OH- ions
• Weak alkalis partially ionize in water producing OH- ions
• Chemical properties of bases

  • Base + acid → salt + water (+ CO2 when base is a metal carbonate)
  • Base + ammonium salt → salt + ammonia gas + water