In chemistry, an alkali is a basic, ionic salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal. It can also be defined as a base that dissolves in water, and a solution of a soluble base has a pH greater than 7.0. The term "alkali" is derived from Arabic al qalīy, meaning the calcined ashes, referring to the original source of alkaline substances. Alkalis are highly corrosive to organic compounds because they can easily break the bonds between carbon chains and their functional groups. They can denature and dissolve proteins and start the saponification process, or breakdown, of fats. Some examples of alkalis include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), and potassium hydroxide (KOH) . Alkalis are commonly used in various industrial processes, such as the production of soda ash (Na2CO3; sodium carbonate) and caustic soda (NaOH; sodium hydroxide) .