base-forming
Definition
- Adjective:
- Yielding a base in aqueous solution: Describes a substance that, when dissolved in water, produces a basic (alkaline) solution. This typically means the substance increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in the water.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Sodium oxide is a base-forming oxide because it reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide.
- Ammonia is considered a base-forming compound due to its ability to accept protons in solution.
Advanced Usage
- In chemistry, the term is often used to classify oxides or other compounds based on their behavior in aqueous environments. For example, metal oxides are typically base-forming, while nonmetal oxides are typically acid-forming.
Variants and Related Words
- Base (n): A substance that can accept protons or donate a pair of valence electrons.
- Basic (adj): Having the properties of a base; having a pH greater than 7.
- Alkaline (adj): A synonym for basic, often used interchangeably.
Synonyms
- Alkaline-forming
- Basic-yielding
Antonyms
- Acid-forming: Yielding an acid in aqueous solution.
Adjective
-
yielding a base in aqueous solution
