7.1.8

Properties of Alkalis & Indicators

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Acids, Bases & Salts: Properties of Alkalis and Indicators

Alkalis are soluble bases containing OH- ions. They turn red litmus blue, colourless thymolphthalein blue, and methyl orange yellow. Acids contain H+ ions.

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What are alkalis?

  • Alkalis are bases that dissolve in water to make a solution.
  • The alkali solution contains OH- ions.
    • Alkalis feel soapy and taste bitter.
  • Alkalis react with acids to form salts and water.
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Alkalis and litmus paper

  • Litmus paper is a common indicator in chemistry.
  • Alkalis turn red litmus paper blue.
    • This change shows the solution is alkaline (basic).
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Alkalis and thymolphthalein

  • Thymolphthalein is a pH indicator.
  • Alkalis change colourless thymolphthalein to blue.
    • This colour change happens because thymolphthalein works in alkaline solutions above pH 9.
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Alkalis and methyl orange

  • Methyl orange is another indicator used in chemistry.
  • Alkalis turn methyl orange indicator from red to yellow.
    • Methyl orange changes colour at a pH around 3.1 to 4.4, indicating acidic or alkaline conditions.
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Ions in acid and alkali solutions

  • Aqueous acid solutions contain H+ ions.
  • Aqueous alkali solutions contain OH- ions.
  • These ions cause acids and alkalis to have different properties.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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