High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! In chemistry, a superbase is an extremely strong base, that is a compound that has a high affinity for protons. Hydroxide ion is the strongest base possible in aqueous solutions, but bases exist with pKb`s well outside of the aqueous range. Such bases are valuable in organic synthesis and are fundamental to physical organic chemistry. Superbases have been described and used since the 1850s. Reactions involving superbases often require special techniques since they are destroyed by water and atmospheric carbon dioxide as well as oxygen. Inert atmosphere techniques and low temperatures minimize these side reactions.