Alkalis

Alkalis are chemical compounds that increase the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in solutions, thereby raising the pH value and creating an alkaline medium. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where 7 marks neutrality, and values above 7 indicate alkalinity. The more OH⁻ ions, the more alkaline the solution.

The most common inorganic alkalis are the hydroxides of alkali and alkaline earth metals, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂). They dissociate completely in a solution and strongly affect the pH. For example, sodium carbonate – a salt formed from a weak acid and a strong base – also has alkaline properties, as its pH in a solution can reach as high as 11.

Properties and Applications of Alkalis

In addition to inorganic alkalis, there are also organic alkalis, such as amines. They also raise the pH, although their chemical structure is different – these compounds often contain nitrogen atoms capable of acting as bases.

Alkalis are widely used in industry: in cleaning agents, soap production, textile processing, and other areas where it is necessary to neutralize acids or create alkaline conditions. Due to their strong effect on pH, these compounds are essential in many technological processes.