What turns red litmus blue?
Red litmus paper turns blue under base (i.e. alkaline) conditions. In chemistry, a base is most commonly thought of as a substance which can accept protons. This refers to the Bronsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases. Alternate definitions of bases include electron pair donors (Lewis), and as sources of hydroxide anions (Arrhenius). Examples of simple bases are sodium hydroxide and ammonia. Bases can be thought of as the chemical opposite of acids. A reaction between an acid and base is called neutralization. Bases and acids are seen as opposites because the effect of an acid is to increase the hydronium ion (H3O+) concentration in water, where as bases reduce this concentration. Bases react with acids to produce water and salts (or their solutions). Some general properties of bases include: – Taste: Bitter taste (opposed to sour taste of acids and sweetness of aldehydes and ketones) – Touch: Slimy or soapy feel on fingers – Reactivity:Caustic on organic matter, react violently with ac
