what makes a compound a base

it dissolves into hydrogen ions in water
it has a ph lower than 7
it dissolves into hydroxide ions in water
it cannot be mixed with oil

1 answer

A compound is considered a base if it dissolves into hydroxide ions (OH-) in water. Therefore, the correct choice from your list is:

  • It dissolves into hydroxide ions in water.

Bases typically have a pH greater than 7, not lower, and they can often be mixed with oils, depending on their chemical structure. The statement about dissolving into hydrogen ions pertains to acids, not bases.