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In chemistry, a superbase is an extremely strong base. There is no commonly accepted definition for what qualifies as a superbase. In general, there are three main classes of superbases: organic, organometallic, and inorganic.

In organic synthesis, the Schlosser base (or Lochmann-Schlosser base), i.e. the combination of tert-butyllithium and potassium tert-butoxide, is a commonly used superbase. tert-Butyllithium undergoes a cation exchange with potassium tert-butoxide giving tert-butyl potassium and lithium tert-butoxide, an exchange driven by lithium's affinity for the alkoxide oxygen. Replacement of the lithium cation with potassium causes the tert-butyl anion to acquire greater ionic character and thus greater basicity.

Organometallic compounds of reactive metals are usually superbases, for example organolithium and organomagnesiums (Grignard reagents). Another type of organic superbase has a reactive metal exchanged for a hydrogen on a heteroatom, such as oxygen (unstabilized alkoxides) or nitrogen (lithium diisopropylamide).

Inorganic superbases are typically salts with highly charged, small negative ions, e.g. lithium nitride, which has extreme negative charge density and so is highly attracted to acids, like the aqueous hydronium ion. Alkali and earth alkali metal hydrides (sodium hydride, calcium hydride) are superbases.

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Which ion is the strongest base?

The hydroxide ion (OH-) is considered one of the strongest bases because it readily accepts a proton to form water. Other strong bases include oxides and alkali metal hydroxides like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH).


What are the strongest bases and how do they compare in terms of reactivity and strength?

The strongest bases are typically alkali metal hydroxides like sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. These bases are highly reactive and strong because they readily donate hydroxide ions in solution, making them effective at neutralizing acids and forming salts. In terms of reactivity and strength, alkali metal hydroxides are more reactive and stronger than other bases like ammonia or metal oxides.


What is the strongest Lewis acid?

Fluoroantimonic acid (HSbF6) is considered one of the strongest known Lewis acids. It is a superacid that can protonate hydrocarbons and other weak bases to form stable carbocations or other species.


What bases are strongest?

Strongest bases are typically hydroxides of alkali metals (e.g. NaOH, KOH) and alkaline earth metals (e.g. Ca(OH)2). Strong bases readily donate hydroxide ions in solution, leading to a high pH and strong alkalinity. Conversely, weak bases like ammonia (NH3) only partially dissociate in solution and have a lower capacity to accept protons.


What are three aqueous bases and three aqueous acids ranked from the strongest to the weakest?

Some common aqueous acids, from strongest to weakest:hydrochloric acid (HCl)carbonic acid (H2CO3)acetic acid (CH3COOH)Some common aqueous bases, from strongest to weakest:sodium hydroxide (NaOH)ammonia (NH3)sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)See the Related Questions link for more about acids and bases.

Related Questions

What is the worlds strongest alkalis?

strongest bases are the hydroxides of alkali metals and alkaline metals.


What are the strongest bases in the world?

Hydroxide ion


What 2 numbers on the pH scale are the strongest bases?

The pH scale goes from 1-14. The strongest bases will be at 12 and 13 and the strongest acids will be at 1-2.


Is a substance that has the strongest affinity for H ions are strong bases?

Yes, substances with the strongest affinity for H+ ions are strong bases. Strong bases are compounds that dissociate completely in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH-) and raise the pH of the solution.


A very strong base would have a pH close to?

The strongest bases are pH 13 or 14.


Which ion is the strongest base?

The hydroxide ion (OH-) is considered one of the strongest bases because it readily accepts a proton to form water. Other strong bases include oxides and alkali metal hydroxides like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH).


What are the strongest bases and how do they compare in terms of reactivity and strength?

The strongest bases are typically alkali metal hydroxides like sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. These bases are highly reactive and strong because they readily donate hydroxide ions in solution, making them effective at neutralizing acids and forming salts. In terms of reactivity and strength, alkali metal hydroxides are more reactive and stronger than other bases like ammonia or metal oxides.


What is the strongest Lewis acid?

Fluoroantimonic acid (HSbF6) is considered one of the strongest known Lewis acids. It is a superacid that can protonate hydrocarbons and other weak bases to form stable carbocations or other species.


What bases are strongest?

Strongest bases are typically hydroxides of alkali metals (e.g. NaOH, KOH) and alkaline earth metals (e.g. Ca(OH)2). Strong bases readily donate hydroxide ions in solution, leading to a high pH and strong alkalinity. Conversely, weak bases like ammonia (NH3) only partially dissociate in solution and have a lower capacity to accept protons.


What are three aqueous bases and three aqueous acids ranked from the strongest to the weakest?

Some common aqueous acids, from strongest to weakest:hydrochloric acid (HCl)carbonic acid (H2CO3)acetic acid (CH3COOH)Some common aqueous bases, from strongest to weakest:sodium hydroxide (NaOH)ammonia (NH3)sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)See the Related Questions link for more about acids and bases.


What is the strongest base in chemistry and how does it compare to other bases in terms of reactivity and strength?

The strongest base in chemistry is the hydroxide ion (OH-). It is highly reactive and strong because it readily accepts protons (H) to form water. Compared to other bases, the hydroxide ion is more reactive and stronger, making it a potent base in chemical reactions.


What is considered the strongest base in chemistry and how does it compare to other bases in terms of reactivity and properties?

The strongest base in chemistry is typically considered to be the hydroxide ion (OH-). It is highly reactive and has the ability to accept protons easily, making it a strong base. In comparison to other bases, the hydroxide ion is more reactive and has stronger basic properties due to its high affinity for protons.