To raised perceive robust bases, it helps to distinction them with robust acids. These two classes of compounds have distinct properties and behaviors in aqueous options.
Robust bases, comparable to sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2), are sometimes hydroxides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. They’re recognized for his or her capacity to fully dissociate into hydroxide ions (OH–) and cations in aqueous options.
For example, when calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) dissolves in water, it ionizes fully to provide calcium ions (Ca2+) and hydroxide ions (OH–). Robust bases are able to neutralizing robust acids and turning litmus paper blue.
Then again, robust acids, comparable to hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), nitric acid (HNO3), hydrobromic acid (HBr) and hydroiodic acid (HI), are acids that fully dissociate into hydrogen ions (H+) and anions in aqueous options.
For instance, when hydrochloric acid (HCl) dissolves in water, it ionizes fully to type hydrogen ions (H+) and chloride ions (Cl–). Robust acids have a really low pH and, like robust bases, are able to inflicting extreme chemical burns. They’re additionally robust proton donors.
Weak Bases vs. Weak Acids
Weak bases, comparable to ammonia (NH3) and natural amines, are compounds that partially dissociate in aqueous options to launch hydroxide ions (OH–) and cations. They’re characterised by being electron pair donors and proton acceptors.
Weak acids additionally solely partially dissociate in aqueous options. Examples embody carbonic acid (H2CO3), acetic acid (CH3COOH) and citric acid (C6H8O7). They’ve greater pH values in comparison with robust acids and don’t fully ionize.