Characteristic property alkalis in aqueous solution?

Answer 1

Common properties of alkalis

Alkalis are all Arrhenius bases and share many properties with other chemicals in this group (Arrhenius bases form hydroxide ions when dissolved in water). Common properties of alkaline aqueous solutions include:

* All alkalis have a pH greater than seven and hence can be detected with litmus paper (red litmus will turn blue on contact with an alkali).
* Moderately concentrated solutions (over 10-3 M) have a pH of 10 or greater. This means that they will turn phenolphthalein from colorless to pink.
* Concentrated solutions are caustic (causing chemical burns).
* Alkaline solutions are slippery or soapy to the touch, due to the saponification of the fatty acids on the surface of the skin.
* Alkalis are normally water soluble, although some like barium carbonate are only soluble when reacting with an acidic aqueous solution.

Answer 2

They are basic or alkaline
pH greater than 7
conduct electricity
caustic
neutralize acids
make salts with acids
turn litmus blue
affect indicators
turns phenolphthalein pink
reacts with fats to make soap
feel slippery