Howstuffworks "Base - Encyclopedia Entry"

Learn about Groups & Radicals in Chemistry and get information on topics related to Groups & Radicals in Chemistry.

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Base

Base, in chemistry, commonly refers to any substance that can react with an acid to decrease or neutralize its acidic properties. A base is also called an alkali. When dissolved in water, bases feel slippery and taste bitter. Solutions of bases turn red litmus paper blue.

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Anhydride