Weak Bases - Names, Properties and Examples

A weak base is a substance with a limited ability to accept protons or hydrogen ions. In chemistry, bases donate electrons or accept protons, but weak bases only partially ionize in water, creating basic solutions. They are prevalent in various chemical processes and everyday experiences.
List of Weak Bases

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Ammonia (NH3)

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Lead hydroxide (Pb(OH)2)

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Aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)3)

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Copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2)

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Ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)3)

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Trimethylamine (N(CH3)3)

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Zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2)

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Aniline (C6H5NH2)

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Methylamine (CH3NH2)

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Pyridine( C5H5N)

Properties of Weak Bases

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Limited Dissociation: Weak bases show less tendency to break down in water, resulting in weaker proton-accepting capabilities. This leads to a lower pH in water compared to strong bases.

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Lower Solubility: Weak bases have lower solubility in water, causing slower reactions with water molecules. This is in contrast to strong bases.

Examples of Weak Bases

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Ammonia (NH3): Despite being a weak base, ammonia is widely used industrially. It's found in certain air conditioning systems' fertilizers, cleaning agents, and refrigerants.

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Amines: Organic compounds containing nitrogen atoms with a lone pair of electrons. Amines can act as weak bases by accepting protons from acids. They are used in dyes, drugs, and polymers. For instance, pyridine is used as a solvent and in pesticide production.

Uses of Weak Bases

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Household Cleaning: Ammonia and baking soda neutralize acidic substances in cleaning products.

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Agriculture: Ammonium nitrate and urea, weak bases, serve as fertilizers to improve soil pH and nourish plants.

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Pharmaceuticals: Weak bases like histamine H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors treat gastric acid-related disorders.

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Water Treatment: Sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate adjust pH and remove impurities in water treatment.

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Laboratory Applications: Weak bases like ammonium hydroxide modify pH, buffer solutions, and purify proteins and DNA.

Classification of Bases

Bases Classified by Concentration:

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Concentrated Base: When a base solution has a higher concentration than the dissolved solvent.

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Dilute Base: When a base solution has a lower concentration than its dissolved solvent.

Bases Classified by Strength:

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Strong Base: A base solution where the base molecules are fully ionized, or all bonds between ions are released.

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Weak Base: A base solution where the base molecules are partially ionized or not all bonds between ions are released.

Bases Classified by Acidity with Examples:

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Monoacidic Base: Forms when one hydroxyl ion reacts with one hydrogen ion in an electrolyte solution. Examples include NaOH.

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Diacidic Base: Forms when two hydroxyl ions react with two hydrogen ions in an electrolyte solution. Examples include Ca(OH)2.

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Triacidic Base: Forms when three hydroxyl ions react with three hydrogen ions in an electrolyte solution. Examples include Fe(OH)3.

Conclusion
Weak bases play vital roles in various chemical processes, both industrially and in everyday life. Their unique properties set them apart from strong bases, and they find diverse applications. While they lack the strong dissociation of strong bases, weak bases still have significant impacts.