Question

When a solution is added to vanilla extract, then the characteristic smell of vanilla cannot be detected. State whether the given solution is an acid or a base.

Answer 1

The given solution is a base.

Explanation:

• The acidic or basic nature of a solution is determined with the help of indicators.
• There are four types of indicators which includes natural indicator, olfactory indicator, synthetic indicator, and universal indicator.
• The indicator which changes the smell when mixed with base or acid is called olfactory indicator.
• The vanilla is an olfactory indicator. The smell of the vanilla remains unchanged if it is treated with acid which is vanished when treated with base because the vanilla is an alkaline solution.