Acids are compounds that release hydrogen ions or protons into a solution. They are usually sour, and they can corrode metal surfaces. Bases release (OH-) hydroxyl ions into a solution and are bitter to taste. If we allow acids and bases to react, they neutralize each other to form a salt. In our homes, we can find acids and bases in various food items and also in solution or powder form. In this article, we discuss some of the common acids and bases found in our homes.
Acids at home
- Citric acid
- Acetic acid
- Lactic acid
- Ascorbic acid
- Sulfuric acid
- Tartaric acid
- Carbonic acid
Citric acid
All citrus fruits that we consume have citric acid in them. The sour taste of these fruits is due to the presence of citric acid. It is a weak organic acid and is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle in many aerobic organisms. The most common citrus fruits are Oranges, lemons, sweet lime, grapefruit, citron, etc.
Acetic acid
Acetic acid is found in vinegar. It is used in homes for cooking. It is also used as a mild cleaning agent. The acetic acid gives a unique sour flavor and smell to vinegar and is used widely in salad dressings.
Lactic acid
Milk contains lactic acid. Lactic acid is an organic acid that is a byproduct of the anaerobic respiration of microorganisms. Bacteria produce in our guts.
Ascorbic acid
Ascorbic acid is vitamin C. It is found in citrus fruits as well as some other fruits and juices. Most common examples include Kiwi, mango, papaya, and pineapple.
Sulfuric acid
Sulfuric acid is very harmful and should not be consumed. Its corrosive property is used in cleaning toilet bowls and drains. It can corrode our skins and make a hole in our hands, so should be handled with utmost care. It is also commonly used in automobile batteries.
Tartaric acid
Tartaric acid is an organic acid that occurs naturally in many fruits especially in tamarinds. It is also present in bananas and grapes. It is used as a flavoring agent and a preservative agent at home. In the food industry, tartaric acid is used for the setting of gels and jellies.
Carbonic Acid
Soda is a carbonated beverage that is made by adding carbon dioxide to the water. Carbon dioxide reacts with water under pressure to form carbonic acid.
Bases at home
- sodium hydroxide
- sodium fluoride
- sodium bicarbonate
- Borax – Sodium Tetraborate
- Magnesium hydroxide
- Calcium hydroxide
- Ammonia
- Ammonium bicarbonate
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
Sodium hydroxide is a key ingredient in soaps and other cleaning agents. Soap is alkaline in nature and is an important washing agent.
Sodium Fluoride (NaF)
Toothpaste is generally basic in nature with a pH of just over 7. Sodium fluoride is a basic component of most fluoridated toothpaste. Bacteria generally prefer an acidic environment. This basic environment can easily eliminate the bacteria in our mouths.
Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCo3)
We use baking soda(sodium bicarbonate) in our kitchen to bake cakes and cookies. It is also used as a cleaning agent and as a fire extinguisher. The main motive behind using sodium bicarbonate is to release carbon dioxide gas. People often use baking soda in ironing sprays to keep clothes firm.
Magnesium Hydroxide (MgOH)
Magnesium hydroxide is a compound that is used as an anti-acid or gastric acid neutralization agent.
Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
Slaked lime or calcium hydroxide is widely used in cement manufacturing. It is also used in the pH regulation of soils and for wastewater treatment.
Baker’s ammonia (ammonium bicarbonate)
Baker’s ammonia, also known as ammonium bicarbonate is a leavening agent used by bakers for making cakes and cookies. It is used as an alternative to baking soda and baking powder.
Ammonia (NH3)
Ammonia is widely used as a fertilizer and as a cleaning agent. It is used in the washing of valuables like gold, silver, and porcelain.
Borax
Borax is also known as sodium tetraborate and is used to remove stains and is a component of many laundry and cleaning products. It is also used as a household insecticide.
What are the most important uses of acids and bases?
All biological systems function only at an optimal pH and temperature. The pH regulation then becomes a very important parameter for life to exist. For pH regulation, we need acids and bases. For example, our stomach requires an acidic medium to function properly. This is provided by peptic juices. And, our intestines function at a basic pH. Similarly, each cell functions at a particular pH. Any alterations in the pH can have an adverse impact on the body.
What are the other acids and bases found at home which we use rarely?
Acids at home: Fruit juices, jellies, yogurt, sauces, jams, sweets, etc.
Bases at home: Chalk powder, egg whites, borax, shampoo, rash powder, etc.
