When bases dissociate in water, they form hydroxide ions (OH-). For example, the base sodium hydroxide (NaOH) dissociates as follows:
NaOH (s) → Na+ (aq) + OH- (aq)
Bases dissociate in water to form hydroxide ions (OH-). When a base, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is dissolved in water, it separates into its constituent ions: Na+ and OH-. The hydroxide ions contribute to the alkaline properties of a solution by accepting protons (H+) from acids.
