Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Materials Facet
3. Materials (hierarchy name)
4. materials (substances)
5. [materials by property]
6. base (substance)

Anotations

Scope note:

Compounds having highly basic properties, specifically any of the soluble hydroxides of the alkali metals; a general term now used for any basic material (pH greater than 7). In general, alkali compounds will react with fatty acids to form soaps; turn litmus paper blue; dissolve in water to form alkaline solutions; taste bitter and are irritating to the skin. Alkaline solutions are used in deacidifying and buffering paper. Alkalis also act as fluxes in ceramics and glass production.