Skip to main content
Chemistry

You are not logged in. Your edit will be placed in a queue until it is peer reviewed.

We welcome edits that make the post easier to understand and more valuable for readers. Because community members review edits, please try to make the post substantially better than how you found it, for example, by fixing grammar or adding additional resources and hyperlinks.

3
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ The title: Is it known for sure that bases feel slippery because of the production of soap/surfactant? and a lengthened re-statement without the space constraint is So I'd like to ask if there is any actual empirical evidence - ideally with a scientific reference, that demonstrates which molecules present between the fingers in this situation is primarily responsible for the slippery feeling. I am absolutely not asking for what you or anyone thinks is happening, I'm asking for data. While I know condescension can be fun, there's no need for any more of it in SE than there is already. $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Commented Mar 14, 2017 at 14:55
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ I've done the best I can to show some independent research as defined by stackexchange (take a moment and enjoy the tour!), and stated my reasoning clearly so that if there are errors or misconceptions, they can be cleared up or corrected. The problem with the Aluminum in the Wikipedia article may be just a wayward drive-by edit, one or two words changed. It is Wikipedia after all. $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Commented Mar 14, 2017 at 14:55
  • $\begingroup$ Re: Also, your first Wikipedia link claims $\ce{OH-}$ "reoxidizes" $\ce{Al2O3}$. That is ludicrous. // Actually that is exactly how it works... All Al metal has a coating of $\ce{Al2O3}$. $\endgroup$
    – MaxW
    Commented Mar 14, 2017 at 17:04