Question

Why are acids and bases corrosive?

Answer 1

Hint: A corrosive material is one that, through a chemical reaction, damages or destroys other substances with which it comes into contact. Any chemical that dissolves an object's structure is referred to as corrosive. Acids, oxidizers, and bases are all examples. The surface deteriorates as they come into contact with it. Deterioration can occur quickly, such as when strong hydrochloric acid is poured on skin, or slowly over days or years, such as when iron in a bridge rusts.

Complete answer:
Strong acids, strong bases, or concentrated solutions of certain weak acids or weak bases are all common corrosives. They can exist as liquids, solids, gases, mists, or vapours in any state of matter. The acid-base processes of amide hydrolysis, ester hydrolysis, and protein denaturation are primarily responsible for their impact on living tissue (e.g. skin, meat, and cornea). Proteins (which are chemically made up of amide bonds) are destroyed by amide hydrolysis, whereas lipids (which are made up of ester bonds) are broken down by ester hydrolysis. Corrosives cause chemical burns as a result of these reactions, which constitute the mechanism of corrosive destruction.
Other chemical characteristics of some corrosives may prolong their corrosive effects on live tissue. Sulfuric acid, for example, is a powerful dehydration agent at high concentrations, capable of drying carbohydrates and generating more heat. In addition to the chemical burns, this causes secondary thermal burns, which may hasten the decomposition processes on the contact surface. Some corrosives, such as nitric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid, are also strong oxidizers, contributing considerably to the additional damage. HF does not often cause visible harm on touch, but it does induce tissue damage and toxicity after being absorbed painlessly.
Acids and bases have a high reactivity with such chemicals, which means that if they come into contact with them, they will create salts and destroy the original component, causing damage to our skin. Another crucial reason is that when strong acids and bases come into contact with water, they dissociate very quickly. When our skin is moist or has some water on it, the acid may dissociate very quickly, making it very corrosive to our skin.

Note:
Furthermore, some corrosive compounds, primarily acids like hydrochloric and nitric acid, are volatile and can produce corrosive mists when exposed to air. The respiratory tract can be damaged by inhalation. Eyesight is particularly vulnerable to corrosive chemicals. A drop of corrosive may induce blindness in as little as 2–10 seconds by opacifying or directly destroying the cornea. Ingesting corrosives can have significant repercussions, including gastrointestinal damage that can result in vomiting, severe stomach pains, and death.