Basis of differentiation

Alkali

Base

Definition

Alkalis are any of the soluble hydroxides of the alkali metals (e.g. sodium, lithium); all alkalis are bases

A base is a compound which has hydroxide ions or lone electron pairs

that can be donated; bases are not all alkalis

Chemical category

Are the group 1 metals in the periodic table or their ionic compounds

Can be any compound, ionic or covalent

Process

Bases neutralize acids

Release OH- protons when dissolved in water

Compound formation

Forms ionic compounds through cations

Can form either covalent or ionic compounds