What are the differences between Alkali and base?

Question

Accepted Answer

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

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