An alkali is a soluble, basic chemical compound. Here’s a breakdown of what that means:

Soluble: It can dissolve in water.

Basic: It has a pH greater than 7, meaning it can neutralize acids.

Chemical compound: It’s made up of two or more elements chemically bonded together.

Common examples of alkalis include:

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye or caustic soda

Potassium hydroxide (KOH), also known as caustic potash

Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), also known as slaked lime

Key characteristics of alkalis:

They have a bitter taste (though you should never taste them as they can be corrosive).

They feel slippery.

They turn red litmus paper blue.

They react with acids to form salts and water.

Where you might find alkalis:

Cleaning products (like soaps and detergents)

Batteries

Some medicines

Industrial processes

• Important note: Alkalis can be corrosive and dangerous, so it’s important to handle them with care and follow safety guidelines.