What kinds of compounds are typically strong bases?

Strong bases are substances that have a high tendency to accept protons (H+ ions) and release hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water. They have a high pH value, typically greater than 11, and undergo almost complete ionization in water. The most common types of compounds that can act as strong bases are alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides.

Alkali metals are the elements found in Group 1 of the periodic table, excluding hydrogen. They include lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr). When combined with hydroxide ions (OH-), they form alkali metal hydroxides, which are strong bases. Examples of alkali metal hydroxides include: 1. Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) 2. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) 3. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) 4. Rubidium hydroxide (RbOH) 5. Cesium hydroxide (CsOH) These compounds have a high affinity for accepting protons and readily dissociate into their respective metal cations and hydroxide anions in water, making them strong bases.

Alkaline earth metals are found in Group 2 of the periodic table and include beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and radium (Ra). Similar to alkali metals, when these elements combine with hydroxide ions (OH-), they form alkaline earth metal hydroxides, which are also strong bases. Examples of alkaline earth metal hydroxides include: 1. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) 2. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) 3. Strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)2) 4. Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2) It is essential to note that Beryllium hydroxide (Be(OH)2) and Radium hydroxide (Ra(OH)2) are not considered strong bases due to either their very low solubility (Be(OH)2) or their unstable, radioactive nature (Ra(OH)2).