ACIDS AND BASES AND ANTIOXIDANTS

Definition
Base on the definition of Arrhenius of Acids and Bases, both are neutral compounds
but differed from giving ions when in water or dissolve in water. Acids give H+ ions and
negative ion that ionize when dissolve in water while bases give OH- ions and a positive
ion that ionize or dissociate in water.
An antioxidant (free-radical scavenger) is a molecule having the ability to reduce the
oxidation of other molecules. Electrons from a substance are transferred to an oxidizing
agent through oxidation reactions.

Importance
To identify acids from bases, and the relative strength of each, chemists tend to use a
pH scale. Seven is neutral. Anything with a pH below 7 is acidic. Anything with a pH
above 7 is basic. One of the earliest tests to determine acids from bases was the litmus
test. A chemical patch turned red for acids, blue for bases. Today chemists can also use
pH indicator paper, which turns every color of the rainbow to indicate how strong or weak
an acid or base is.
Antioxidants might help prevent diseases such as macular degeneration, suppressed
immunity due to poor nutrition, and neurodegeneration. despite the clear role of oxidative
stress in cardiovascular disease, controlled studies using antioxidant vitamins have
observed no major reduction in either the risk of developing heart disease or the rate of
progression of existing disease. As a result, these effects might be the result of other
substances in fruit and vegetables (possibly flavonoids), or a complex mix of substances
may contribute to the better cardiovascular health of those who consume more fruit and
vegetables.

Examples and uses

Acids

 Vinegar, a diluted solution of acetic acid, has various household applications. It is

primarily used as a food preservative.
 Citric acid is an integral part of lemon juice and orange juice. It can also be used
in the preservation of food.
 Sulfuric acid is widely used in batteries. The batteries used to start the engines of
automobiles commonly contain this acid.
 The industrial production of explosives, dyes, paints, and fertilizers involves the
use of sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
 Phosphoric acid is a key ingredient in many soft drinks.

Bases
 The manufacturing of soap and paper involves the use of sodium hydroxide.
NaOH is also used in the manufacture of rayon.
 Ca(OH)2, also known as slaked lime or calcium hydroxide, is used to
manufacture bleaching powder.
 Dry mixes used in painting or decoration are made with the help of calcium
hydroxide.
 Magnesium hydroxide, also known as milk of magnesia, is commonly used as a
laxative. It also reduces any excess acidity in the human stomach and is,
therefore, used as an antacid.
 Ammonium hydroxide is a very important reagent used in laboratories.
 Any excess acidity in soils can be neutralized by employing slaked lime.

Antioxidants
 Vitamin A: Dairy produce, eggs, and liver
 Vitamin C: Most fruits and vegetables, especially berries, oranges, and bell
peppers
 Vitamin E: Nuts and seeds, sunflower and other vegetable oils, and green, leafy
vegetables
 Beta-carotene: Brightly colored fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, peas,
spinach, and mangoes
 Lycopene: Pink and red fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes and
watermelon
 Lutein: Green, leafy vegetables, corn, papaya, and oranges
 Selenium: Rice, corn, wheat, and other whole grains, as well as nuts, eggs,
cheese, and legumes