Alkaliskt

Alkaliskt is a Swedish adjective used to describe substances with alkaline properties. In chemistry, alkaliska ämnen are bases that, when dissolved in water, form hydroxide ions (OH−) and raise the solution’s pH. The term is often used to distinguish soluble bases, alkalis, from less soluble bases. Baser in general are substances that accept protons or donate electron pairs; alkaliska ämnen are those that produce hydroxide ions in water or generate alkaline solutions.

Common examples are natriumhydroxid (NaOH) and kaliumhydroxid (KOH), which are strong alkalis. Ammoniaklösning (NH3 i vatten) is a weaker alkali. The alkalinity of a solution is reflected in its pH and the concentration of OH− ions.

Alkaliska ämnen are usually caustic and can cause skin or eye burns on contact. They are widely used in cleaning products, soap making, water treatment, and agriculture to adjust soil pH or neutralize acids. They also play a key role in various industries, including chemical synthesis and paper production.

Etymologically, the term alkali comes from the English alkali, which in turn traces back to Latin and French, ultimately from the Arabic al-qaly, referring to plant ashes that could produce alkaline solutions. In Swedish usage, alkaliskt emphasizes the hydroxide-forming, water-soluble aspect of bases.