It might seem surprising, but bases can also have acidic characteristics. Depending on the number of hydroxyl ions available to combine with hydrogen ions, a base can be classified into 3 types.
- Mono Acidic Base: A base with only one hydroxyl ion (OH⁻) that can combine with one hydrogen ion (H⁺) is called a mono acidic base. Examples include NaOH and KOH.
- Diacidic Base: A base with two hydroxyl ions (OH⁻) that can combine with two hydrogen ions (H⁺) is known as a diacidic base. Examples are Ca(OH)₂ and Mg(OH)₂.
- Triacidic Base: A base containing three hydroxyl ions (OH⁻) that can combine with three hydrogen ions (H⁺) is referred to as a triacidic base. Examples include Al(OH)₃ and Fe(OH)₂.