Properties and uses of bases
Bases share a set of properties.
- They feel slippery, like soap, when touched.
- They react with acids to form a salt and water.
- They turn red litmus blue — a simple test for a base.
2NaOH (aq) + H2SO4 (aq) → Na2SO4 (aq) + 2H2O (l)
Do not touch laboratory bases
Avoid touching the bases in the laboratory.
Sodium hydroxide
Making soap, paper, artificial silk and paints; a strong base for laboratory work; refining petroleum products.
Magnesium hydroxide
As a suspension (milk of magnesia), an antacid that eases acidity in the stomach; purifying cane juice in the sugar industry.