When an acid reacts with an alkali, a salt and water is produced:

acid + alkali → salt + water An example: hydrochloric acid + sodium hydroxide

→ sodium chloride + water

What is Alkali
The term alkali is used to name the group 1 elements of the periodic table (lithium, sodium,
potassium, etc.). These elements are known as alkali metals. The basic compounds formed from
these elements are alkali compounds. An alkali compound is a substance that can form OH– ions
when added to water. Therefore, alkali compounds dissolve in water to give solutions having
values higher than pH 7. All alkalis have pH values greater than 7. These are basic compounds.
Alkali substances can turn the colour of red litmus into blue colour. They can also react with
acidic compounds giving water and salt as the end products. Hence, alkali substances can also be
used to neutralize an acidic solution. Alkali metals are very soft, we can cut sodium easily using
a knife. These elements have one valence electron in the outermost orbital. Therefore, these
elements are very reactive. They can form +1 cations by removing their valence electron.
Concentrated alkali are corrosive and can cause skin irritations. The most common alkalis
include carbonates and hydroxides. The reaction between an acid and a hydroxide will give
water and salt. The reaction between an acid and a carbonate gives a salt, carbon dioxide gas and
water.
 Here are a few examples
 Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
 Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
 Lithium oxide (Li2O)
 Ammonia (NH3)

What is Alkaline
The term Alkaline is used to name group 2 elements of the periodic table. Magnesium, strontium,
calcium etc.). These are known as alkaline earth metals. These compounds also form OH– ions
when added to water. The solutions of alkaline compounds have higher pH values (>7).
These alkaline compounds also can turn red litmus into the blue colour. They have basic
properties. Alkaline earth metals are harder than alkali metals. These elements form +2 cations
(positively charged ion) because they have two valence electrons and, a cation can be formed by
removing those valance electrons. However, since these electrons are in the s orbital as an
electron pair, these elements are not much reactive.
Alkaline earth metals have a lower atomic radius when compared to alkali metals. This is
because the number of protons and electrons are higher than the adjacent group 1 element.
Similarities Between Alkali and Alkaline.
 Both have basic properties.
 Both can turn red litmus into blue colour.
 Both types of compounds can form aqueous solutions having >7pH.
 Both can form OH– ions when added to water.

Difference Between Alkali and Alkaline
Definition
Alkali: The term Alkali is used to name the group 1 elements of the periodic table.
Alkaline: The term Alkaline earth metal is used to name group 2 elements of the periodic table.
Physical Properties
Alkali: Alkali metals are softer.
Alkaline: Alkaline earth metals are harder.
Valence Electrons
Alkali: Alkali elements have one valence electron.
Alkaline: Alkaline earth metals have two valence electrons.
Cations
Alkali: Alkali metals form +1cations.
Alkaline: Alkaline earth metals form +2 cations.
Ionization Energy
Alkali: Alkali metals have lower ionizing energy.
Alkaline: Alkaline earth metals have higher ionizing energy.

Conclusion
Alkali metals are the elements in group 1 of the periodic table. Alkaline earth metals are the
elements in group 2 of the periodic table. Both show basic properties. When added to water, both
can form solutions that having higher pH values. The main difference between alkaline and
alkali is that alkali metals have one valence electron, whereas alkaline earth metals have two
valence electrons.