Basic Solution
A solution in which the hydroxide ion concentration exceeds the hydrogen ion concentration.
Formula / equation
[OH⁻] > [H⁺]
Unit
mol/L
In depth
Basic solutions feel soapy because they hydrolyse skin oils, turn phenolphthalein pink, and precipitate most metal hydroxides. Alkalinity may come from a dissolved base or from the hydrolysis of a salt of a weak acid and a strong base.
Examples in the real world
Limewater at pH 12.4; a sodium carbonate solution made alkaline by carbonate hydrolysis.