Substances that counteract the corrosive results of acids by reacting with them to kind water and a salt are sometimes known as bases. Frequent examples embrace sodium hydroxide (NaOH), usually utilized in drain cleaners, and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), a key ingredient in cement. The energy of a base is decided by its potential to dissociate and launch hydroxide ions (OH–) in resolution.
These compounds play a significant function in numerous chemical processes, environmental regulation, and organic techniques. They’re important for sustaining pH steadiness within the human physique, neutralizing acidic soils in agriculture, and treating industrial wastewater. Traditionally, the understanding and utilization of those substances have been elementary to developments in chemistry, from the event of cleaning soap to the manufacturing of prescription drugs.
