Which one of the following compounds is present in antacid tablets or medicines which are used to cure indigestion and acidity in the stomach ?
Sodium hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide
Lithium hydroxide
Aluminium hydroxide
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2022
Let’s look at the given options:
A) Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): This is a strong base (lye). It is highly corrosive and would cause severe internal burns if ingested. It is not used as an antacid.
B) Potassium hydroxide (KOH): Similar to sodium hydroxide, this is also a strong base (caustic potash) and is highly corrosive. It is not used as an antacid.
C) Lithium hydroxide (LiOH): A strong base. Not used in antacids.
D) Aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)₃): This is a weak base commonly used in antacid formulations, often combined with magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) or calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). Aluminium hydroxide reacts with stomach acid to form aluminium chloride and water: Al(OH)₃(s) + 3HCl(aq) → AlCl₃(aq) + 3H₂O(l). It helps neutralize acid and can also help protect the stomach lining.