What is a Weak Base?

A weak base is a chemical that reacts with water to produce a base, such as ammonia. Ammonia is a weak base because it only partially dissociates in water to produce the hydroxide ion and ammonia.

Classification of Bases

A base is a molecule that can accept a proton (H+) from an acid to form a conjugate acid. The strength of a base is determined by its ability to remove a proton from an acid. The stronger the base, the more easily it removes a proton from an acid.

There are five general categories of bases:

Alkali metals (Group 1A)

Alkaline earth metals (Group 2A)

Ammonia (NH 3 )

Nitriles (RCN)

Organic bases (includes amines)

On the basis of Concentration

One milliliter of a 1M solution of NaCl has 1 mole of NaCl dissolved in it. The concentration of NaCl in the solution is 1M.

One milliliter of a 0.1M solution of NaCl has 0.1 mole of NaCl dissolved in it. The concentration of NaCl in the solution is 0.1M.

On the basis of Strength

On the basis of strength, bases can be classified into three categories: strong bases, weak bases, and moderate bases. Strong bases completely dissociate in water, producing a high concentration of hydroxide ions. Weak bases partially dissociate, resulting in a lower concentration of hydroxide ions. Moderate bases exhibit intermediate strength between strong and weak bases.

On the basis of Acidity of Bases

On the basis of acidity of bases, they are classified into three types: strong, weak, and amphoteric.

A strong base is a base that completely dissociates in water to produce hydroxide ions. A weak base is a base that does not completely dissociate in water to produce hydroxide ions. Amphoteric bases are bases that can act as both a strong base and a weak base, depending on the pH of the solution.

Ammonia

Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is composed of nitrogen and hydrogen and is used in the production of fertilizers and other chemicals.

Aluminum Hydroxide

Aluminum hydroxide is a white solid that is often used as an antacid and in the production of alum.

Lead Hydroxide

A strong base that is often used in the laboratory to neutralize acids and to make solutions of salts. It is also used in the manufacture of soap and other cleaning products.

Ferric Hydroxide

A black or dark green solid consisting of ferric oxide and water.

Copper Hydroxide

copper(II) hydroxide

copper(II) oxide

copper(II) sulfate

copper(II) sulfide

copper(II) sulfite

copper(II) thiosulfate

Zinc Hydroxide

Zinc oxide

Zinc sulfate

Zirconium

Zirconium oxide

Trimethylamine oxide

This compound is a quaternary ammonium compound with the formula [(CH)N+O] (CH). It is a colorless liquid with a fishy odor. It is the simplest amine oxide.

It is a weak base, and is used as a surfactant and stabilizer. It is also used as a corrosion inhibitor for copper and brass.

Trimethylamine oxide is soluble in water, ethanol, and ether.

It is produced industrially by the reaction of trimethylamine with nitric acid:

The resulting product is a mixture of trimethylamine oxide and bis(trimethylamine) oxide.

The compound is also found in the urine of humans and other mammals.

Aniline

Aniline is a toxic and flammable organic compound with the formula C6H5NH2. It is a clear liquid that is slightly soluble in water. Aniline is mainly used as a precursor to other chemicals. It is also used as a dye and a pharmaceutical agent.

Pyridine

Pyridine is a colorless, water-soluble, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic aromatic organic compound. It has a characteristic pyridine smell. Pyridine is used as a solvent, as a starting material for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds, and as a ligand in coordination chemistry.

Pyridine was first isolated in 1849 by the French chemist Auguste Cahours.

Lithium Hydroxide

LiOH, lithium hydroxide, is an inorganic compound with the formula LiOH. It is a white solid that is soluble in water. It is the most common lithium compound and is used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications.

LiOH is produced by the electrolysis of aqueous lithium chloride. The electrolysis of aqueous solutions of lithium chloride is a common way to produce chlorine gas and lithium hydroxide. The process is conducted at a high voltage, and the resulting products are chlorine gas and aqueous lithium hydroxide.

Aqueous lithium hydroxide is also produced by the reaction of lithium metal with water. When lithium metal is added to water, the lithium metal reacts with water to produce lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

LiOH is used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. It is used as a pH modifier, a flocculant, a desiccant, and a catalyst. It is also used in the manufacture of lithium ion batteries.

Uses of Some Common Bases

Inorganic bases are used in many different ways. Some common inorganic bases include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide.

One common use of inorganic bases is in the production of soap. Soaps are made by combining an inorganic base with animal or vegetable fats. The base is used to break down the fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Inorganic bases are also used in the production of detergents. Detergents are made by combining an inorganic base with surfactants. The base is used to break down the surfactants into sulfates and alcohols.

Inorganic bases are also used in the production of paper. Paper is made by combining an inorganic base with wood pulp. The base is used to break down the wood pulp into cellulose and hemicellulose.

Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium hydroxide is a white, crystalline solid that is very soluble in water. It is used as an antacid and laxative.

Calcium Hydroxide

What is calcium hydroxide?

Calcium hydroxide is a white, odorless, crystalline powder that is soluble in water. It is used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, including as a flux in welding, a cement additive, and a food additive.

Sodium Hydroxide

Aqueous sodium hydroxide is a strong base that is used in many industrial processes. It is also used in the manufacture of soap and detergents.

Ammonium Hydroxide

Aqueous ammonia, also known as ammonium hydroxide, is a solution of ammonia in water. It can be found in concentrations of 6 to 28% ammonia. Ammonium hydroxide is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is corrosive and can cause skin and eye irritation. Ammonium hydroxide is used as a pH adjuster and as a cleaning agent.

Ionization of Weak Bases

Weak bases can be ionized in water by the addition of a strong acid. The acid will donate a proton to the base, causing the base to become an ion. The protonated base will then dissociate in water, releasing the ion and a hydroxide ion.

The protonated base can also react with a water molecule to form a hydronium ion and a water molecule.

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