2.5 Acids, Bases and Salts
chemistry
Bases
If you know a compound's chemical formula, you may be able to identify it as a base.
- Bases, like acids, often behave like bases only when dissolved in water
- Therefore, bases are often written with subscript (aq) = aquatic = water
The chemical formula of a base usually ends with hydroxide (-OH).
Examples of common bases
- NaOH(aq)
- Mg(OH)2(aq)
- Ca(OH)2(aq)
- NH4OH(aq)
Naming Bases
- To name a base you simply name the cation (metal) and then add hydroxide
- NaOH (aq) - Sodium hydroxide
- Mg(OH)2 (aq) - Magnesium hydroxide