a slippery, bitter tasting substance that turns red litmus paper blue and has a pH greater than 7
base
The substance being described is most likely an alkaline solution. Alkaline solutions are basic in nature, which means they have a pH greater than 7. One common example of an alkaline solution is ammonia, which is often used in cleaning products.
To test whether a substance is alkaline or acidic, we can use litmus paper. Litmus paper is a type of pH paper that changes color based on the acidity or basicity of the substance it comes into contact with. Blue litmus paper turns red in acidic conditions, whereas red litmus paper turns blue in basic conditions. If a substance turns red litmus paper blue, it is a basic substance, which means it is alkaline.
The fact that this substance is described as slippery and bitter tasting may also be helpful in identifying it. Substances that are slippery to the touch are usually basic in nature and may contain hydroxide ions (OH-) or other substances that react with water to create a slippery surface. Bitter tastes can be associated with many different chemicals, but in the context of this question, it may be indicative of the presence of ammonia or other alkaline substances.
More Answers:
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Exploring pH Scale: Understanding Neutral Substances with a pH of 7