alkalieën

Alkaline substances, often referred to in Dutch as "alkalieën", are chemical compounds that exhibit basic characteristics. As opposed to acids, which are typically characterized by their acidic or sour taste and can donate a proton, alkalieën are capable of accepting a proton. These substances contain anions or an acidic oxide which, upon reacting with water, forms a solution of alkaline hydroxide.

Potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide are commonly encountered examples of alkalieën. They are manufactured through the electrolysis or reaction of sodium and calcium chlorides with sodium and calcium chlorates. In everyday life, people are made aware of alkalieën through their widespread application in agriculture, as they are used to neutralize acidic soil conditions. Additionally, they are also utilized in industries such as detergents and paper processing, where their high reactivity is leveraged to facilitate chemical reactions.

Notable characteristics of alkalieën include their extremely high reactivity, which necessitates careful handling and storage to avoid accidents and spillovers. They can cause severe skin irritation upon contact, as well as fatal poisoning if ingested. This inherent danger has led to strict regulatory measures governing the transit and storage of these materials. In literature and linguistics, the term "alkalieën" can also be found, albeit in the context of an alkaline language or an alkali-like sentiment, referring to something optimistic, morally and spiritually good.