Base
A substance that accepts protons, produces hydroxide ions in water, or donates a pair of electrons.
Formula / equation
B + H⁺ → BH⁺
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
Bases feel slippery, turn litmus blue and neutralise acids to give salts. A base that dissolves in water is called an alkali. Basic strength depends on the availability of a lone pair, so electron-donating groups strengthen a base and electron-withdrawing groups weaken it.
Examples in the real world
Sodium hydroxide in drain cleaner, ammonia in household cleaners, and calcium hydroxide in agricultural lime.