Alkaline earth contains or consists of an oxides of alkaline earth metals, such as lime, magnesia, strontia, and baryta. The alkaline earth metals are among the most electropositive of all metals, second only to the Group 1 or Alkali metals. Consequently, most of their compounds have a high degree of ionic character. This confers a high degree of basic nature to the oxides. On reacting with water, the corresponding hydroxides are obtained (in solution) which are strong bases. Although highly corrosive, they are used as antacids for their strongly basic nature.

Chemical compounds

Alkaline earth