Hydroxides in Chemistry: Basic Compounds with Diverse Uses
by Yuvi K - December 24, 2023
What Are Hydroxides?
Hydroxides are compounds containing oxygen and hydrogen. Their chemical formulas typically contain the symbol OH-, which stands for the oxygen and hydrogen atoms combined. Essentially, hydroxides can be seen as a hydrogen atom bonded to an oxygen atom (‘हाइड्रोक्साइड’ (Hydroxide)). The combination of these atoms forms a single negatively charged ion, or a ‘base’.
Uses of Hydroxides
Hydroxides are incredibly versatile existence in chemical and industrial applications. They are commonly used for the production of different compounds, such as sodium hydroxide, which is often employed in the manufacture of soaps and detergents; calcium hydroxide, used in cement-making; and magnesium hydroxide, used in fire retardants.
Hydroxides are also used as some of the most popular industrial bases, such as ‘Sodium Hydroxide’ and ‘Ammonium Hydroxide’.
Chemical Properties of Hydroxides
| Chemical Property | Description |
| Solubility | Solubility in water varies, but many hydroxides have very low solubility, with the exceptions being the soluble alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. |
| Acidity | Hydroxides are considerably basic in nature, having pH values greater than 7. As such, they can neutralize acids, and tend to act as bases in chemical reactions. |
| Reactivity | Hydroxides are highly reactive, forming hydroxide ions when dissolved in water. This makes them very useful in various industrial processes. |
Types of Hydroxides
Hydroxides can be divided into three main categories, depending on the ion present.
Alkali Metal Hydroxides
Alkali metal hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, are soluble in water and also strong bases. They react with acids to form salt and water, and they are often used as cleaning agents in households.
Alkaline Earth Metal Hydroxides
Alkaline earth metal hydroxides, such as calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and strontium hydroxide, are slightly soluble in water. They are commonly employed in several industrial processes and in construction projects.
Ammonium Hydroxide
Ammonia is a compound composed of a single nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. It is a gas at normal temperatures, but can be dissolved in water to form a solution of ammonium hydroxide.
Ammonium hydroxide is a weak base that can neutralize acids, but it is not as strong as the other classes of hydroxides.
Conclusion
Hydroxides are compounds containing oxygen and hydrogen. Their chemical formulas typically contain the symbol OH-, which stands for the oxygen and hydrogen atoms bonded together. Hydroxides are highly versatile bases, with a range of uses in both industrial and chemical processes. There are three main types of hydroxides: alkali metal hydroxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and ammonium hydroxides.
Overall, hydroxides play an integral role in chemical processes, due to their highly favorable properties. They are essential in the production of various compounds such as soaps, detergents, and cement, as well as in industrial processes, such as neutralizing acids.
