A strong base is a basic chemical compound that is able to deprotonate very weak acids in an acid-base reaction. The strength of a base is indicated by its pK_b value, compounds with a pK_b of less than about 1 are called strong bases. Common examples of strong bases are the hydroxides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals like NaOH and Ca(OH)₂. In water strong bases form hydroxyl ions (OH^-), either by complete dissociation through solvation (metal hydroxides) or by chemical reaction with water (e.g. NaH and LDA).

Very strong bases are even able to deprotonate very weakly acidic C-H groups in the absence of water.

Common examples

Medium strong bases

• Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃)
• Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃)

Strong bases

• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
• Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂)
• Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)
• Lithium hydroxide (LiOH)

Very strong bases

• Sodium hydride (NaH)
• Sodium amide (NaNH₂)
• Lithium diisopropylamide (LDA)

See also

• Acid-base reaction theories
• Base
• Acid

External links

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