* Citric Acid: Citric acid (H₃C₆H₅O₇) is a weak acid.

* Sodium Citrate: When citric acid reacts with a strong base like sodium hydroxide (NaOH), it forms sodium citrate (Na₃C₆H₅O₇) and water.

* Hydrolysis: Sodium citrate, when dissolved in water, undergoes hydrolysis. The citrate ion (C₆H₅O₇³⁻) reacts with water, accepting a proton (H⁺) to form the bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). This increase in OH⁻ ions makes the solution basic.

In summary: The hydrolysis of the citrate ion results in an increase in hydroxide ions (OH⁻) making the solution basic.