alkali
A substance which has the properties of a base,
especially a hydroxide or carbonate of an alkali
metal, e.g., calcium. Since all of these
substances, when dissolved, increase the hydroxyl
ion concentration, the term alkali is synonymous
with base. An aqueous alkaline solution is one
with a pH value greater than 7.0. Alkalies are
used in conservation work principally in
adhesives, and in deacidifying and buffering
paper. See also: ALKALINE RESERVE ;HYDROGEN-ION
CONCENTRATION .
![[CoOL]](/icons/sm_cool.gif){kind=icon}