Which of the following is a typical property of bases?

• A. They taste bitter and feel slippery to the touch.
• B. They react with metals to produce hydrogen gas.
• C. They turn red litmus paper blue.
• D. They have a pH less than 7.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that bases are substances that can accept protons (H\textsuperscript{+}) or donate a pair of electrons, and they have characteristic properties that distinguish them from acids.
2. Recall that bases typically have a bitter taste and feel slippery or soapy to the touch due to their reaction with oils on the skin, forming soap-like substances.
3. Know that bases turn red litmus paper blue, which is a common qualitative test to identify basic solutions.
4. Remember that bases generally have a pH greater than 7, indicating they are alkaline, whereas acids have pH less than 7.
5. Note that reacting with metals to produce hydrogen gas is a property more commonly associated with acids, not bases.