Question

In which solution the smell of onion extract is not detectable HCl or NaOH?

Answer 1

1. Acids and Bases

Acids are classified as substances having a sour taste and can liberate hydrogen ions when placed in aqueous solutions. Bases are classified as substances having a bitter taste and can liberate hydroxide ions when placed in aqueous solutions.

2. Smell of onion extract

Bases have the potency to remove the smell of onion extract and make it completely odourless. Onion extract is an example of an olfactory indicator that changes smell when mixed with acidic or basic solutions. But acidic solutions have no effect on the removal of the smell of onion extract.

The smell of onion extract is not detectable in the solution of Sodium hydroxide $\left(\mathrm{NaOH}\right)$ . This is because sodium hydroxide $\left(\mathrm{NaOH}\right)$ is characterized as a base and onion extract have a tendency to lose its smell as soon as the base is added. A solution of an acid such as Hydrochloric acid $\left(\mathrm{HCl}\right)$ does not destroy the smell of onion.

Thus, in the solution of NaOH, the smell of onion extract is not detectable.