Alkalis

A metal oxide or hydroxide (base) which is soluble in water (exception: ammonium hydroxide - doesn't contain a metal).

• Alkalis are soluble in water
• Alkalis turn in litmus: blue, in phenolphthalein: pink, in methyl orange: yellow and in bromothymol blue: blue
• Alkalis have a pH of more than 7
• Alkalis conduct electricity when in solution (electrolytes)

• Alkalis have the property to assimilate carbonic acid out of the air
• Alkalis have the property to form soap and glycerin out of oils and fats
• Alkalis are caustic
• Alkalis have a strange acrid taste (don't check out )

• All alkalis contain a reactive hydrogen group(OH).¹⁾
• Alkalis are able to neutralize acids

1. Bethell / Coppock, Chemistry Textbook
2. wikipedia.de, translated into German English by the author

Schülerbeitrag