10.4 CHARACTERISTIC PROPERTIES OF BASES

General properties of bases are as follows:

• Bases have a bitter taste.
• Bases change the color of red litmus paper to blue.
• Aqueous solutions of bases have a slippery touch.
• Bases neutralize acids to form salt and water.

Example of neutralization:
H₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂O

• Bases decompose ammonium salts on heating and liberate ammonia gas.

Example of decomposition:
Base + Ammonium salt → Salt + Ammonia + Water
NaOH + NH₄Cl → NaCl + NH₃ + H₂O
KOH + NH₄Cl → KCl + NH₃ + H₂O