How to Prepare Common Base Solutions

Prepare solutions of common bases using this handy reference table which lists the amount of solute  (concentrated base solution) that is used to make 1 L of base solution. Stir the base into a large volume of water and then dilute the solution to make one liter. Use care when adding sodium hydroxide to water, since this is an exothermic reaction that generates considerable heat. Be sure to use borosilicate glass and consider immersing the container in a bucket of ice to keep the heat down. Use solid sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide to prepare solutions of those bases. Use concentrated (14.8 M) ammonium hydroxide for those preparations. Base Solution Peparations   Name / Formula / F.W. Concentration Amount/Liter Ammonium Hydroxide 6 M 405 mL NH4OH 3 M 203 F.W. 35.05 1 M 68 0.5 M 34 0.1 M 6.8 Potassium Hydroxide 6 M 337 g KOH 3 M 168 F.W. 56.11 1 M 56 0.5 M 28 0.1 M 5.6 Sodium Hydroxide 6 M 240 g NaOH 3 M 120 F.W. 40.00 1 M 40 0.5 M 20 0.1 M 4.0