ACIDS
Acetic acid
- C2H4O2
- IUPAC: Ethanoic acid
- Acetic acid is typically found in vinegar in 4-8% concentrations. The rest of the vinegar is usually composed of water and trace amounts of other substances for additional flavoring.
- It is effective again lawn weeds.
- White vinegar is used as a common cleaning agent to remove deposits on surfaces.
Citric acid
- C6H8O7
- IUPAC: 2-hydropropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
- Citric acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits, pineapple, and tomatoes.
- It is used as an additive and a preservative in foods.
- It is also an effective cleaning agent.
Lactic acid
- C3H6O3
- IUPAC: 2-hydroxypropanoic acid
- Lactic acid is naturally found in diary products.
- It is used in a wide range of food applications, serving as a pH regulator, a preservative, or flavoring agent.
- Due to its descaling properties, it is also widely applied to household cleaning products.
Ascorbic acid
- C6H8O6
- IUPAC: (5R)-[(1S)-1,2-Dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one
- Vitamin C
- It is found in citrus fruits and some other fruits.
- It is used in foods as a preservative.
- Vegetable washes utilize ascorbic acid as a mild, non-toxic cleansing agent.
- It can be found in contact lens cleaning solutions as a mild antiseptic.
Sulfuric acid
- H2SO4
- Car batteries contain sulfuric acid to create a reaction with lead that produces electricity.
- It can also be found in drain cleaners.
BASES
Sodium bicarbonate
- NaHCO3
- IUPAC: Sodium hydrogen carbonate
- Baking soda
- It is often used in cooking as a leavening agent.
Potassium hydroxide
- KOH
- Potassium hydroxide is a versatile cleaning agent that is found in liquid soaps, lotions, shampoos, etc. As for industrial uses, it can be used to clean ovens, drains, and driveways.
- Alkaline batteries contain potassium hydroxide.
- It is used as a preservative and thickener in foods.
Ammonium hydroxide
- NH4OH
- Ammonium hydroxide is used as an effective tarnish and stain remover.
Sodium hypochlorite
- NaClO
- Bleach