20 Examples of Bases

Bases are substances that can accept protons (H⁺ ions) or donate pairs of electrons. Sodium hydroxide, ammonia, magnesium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide are a few examples of bases.

Examples of Bases

Here are few examples of bases with formula and source:

1.    Sodium Hydroxide

• Formula: NaOH
• Source: Industrial production, electrolysis of salt brine
• Characteristics: Strong alkali, corrosive, used in soap making and drain cleaners.

2.    Ammonia

• Formula: NH₃
• Source: Produced during decomposition of organic matter, synthetic production
• Characteristics: Pungent odor, used in cleaning agents and fertilizers.

3.    Potassium Hydroxide

• Formula: KOH
• Source: Electrolysis of potassium chloride solution
• Characteristics: Strong alkali, used in soap production and as an electrolyte.

4.    Magnesium Hydroxide

• Formula: Mg(OH)₂
• Source: Naturally occurring mineral brucite, used in antacids and laxatives
• Characteristics: White solid, slightly alkaline.

5.    Calcium Hydroxide

• Formula: Ca(OH)₂
• Source: Produced from calcium oxide and water, also found in nature (lime)
• Characteristics: Alkaline, used in construction and as a flocculant.

6.    Aluminum Hydroxide

• Formula: Al(OH)₃
• Source: Naturally occurring mineral gibbsite, used in antacids and as a flame retardant
• Characteristics: Amphoteric, white gelatinous solid.

7.    Lithium Hydroxide

• Formula: LiOH
• Source: Synthetic production from lithium carbonate
• Characteristics: Strong alkali, used in rechargeable batteries and air purification.

8.    Barium Hydroxide

• Formula: Ba(OH)₂
• Source: Produced by dissolving barium oxide in water
• Characteristics: Highly soluble, toxic, used in analytical chemistry and as a catalyst.

9.    Strontium Hydroxide

• Formula: Sr(OH)₂
• Source: Produced by dissolving strontium oxide in water
• Characteristics: Alkaline, used in pyrotechnics and analytical chemistry.

10. Sodium Bicarbonate

• Formula: NaHCO₃
• Source: Natural deposits (trona), synthesized from sodium carbonate
• Characteristics: Mildly alkaline, used as a leavening agent and antacid.

11. Ammonium Hydroxide

• Formula: NH₄OH
• Source: Solution of ammonia gas in water
• Characteristics: Weak alkali, used in cleaning products and as a pH adjuster.

12. Copper Hydroxide

• Formula: Cu(OH)₂
• Source: Produced by treating copper salts with alkali
• Characteristics: Blue solid, used as a fungicide and pigment.

13. Zinc Hydroxide

• Formula: Zn(OH)₂
• Source: Precipitation from zinc salts with alkali
• Characteristics: White solid, used in medicine and as a corrosion inhibitor.

14. Iron(II) Hydroxide

• Formula: Fe(OH)₂
• Source: Precipitation from iron(II) salts with alkali
• Characteristics: Greenish solid, used in water treatment and as a reducing agent.

15. Iron(III) Hydroxide

• Formula: Fe(OH)₃
• Source: Naturally occurring mineral (goethite), formed by oxidation of iron(II) compounds
• Characteristics: Rust-colored solid, used as a pigment and in water purification.

16. Nickel Hydroxide

• Formula: Ni(OH)₂
• Source: Produced by precipitation from nickel salts
• Characteristics: Green solid, used in rechargeable batteries and catalysts.

17. Mercury(II) Hydroxide

• Formula: Hg(OH)₂
• Source: Prepared by adding a base to a solution of mercury(II) salt
• Characteristics: Insoluble, toxic, used in analytical chemistry.

18. Lead(II) Hydroxide

• Formula: Pb(OH)₂
• Source: It is produced by the reaction of lead(II) oxide with water.
• Characteristics: White solid, used in paints and pigments.

19. Silver Hydroxide

• Formula: AgOH
• Source: It is produced by the reaction of silver nitrate with sodium hydroxide.
• Characteristics: Precipitates easily, sensitive to light.

20. Beryllium Hydroxide

• Formula: Be(OH)₂
• Source: Produced by treating beryllium salts with alkali
• Characteristics: It is a weak base., used in the purification of beryllium.