7.2.7—Neutralisation reactions occur when H +(aq)
- Syllabus
- 9701–2028–2029
- Objective
- 7.2.7
- Level
- AS
Neutralisation transfers protons to form water
Neutralisation is a reaction in which an acid and a base react so that proton transfer produces water. In the simplest ionic form, H₃O⁺ + OH⁻ → 2H₂O.
The other ions remain in solution as the salt’s ions. Write the molecular equation, then identify the net ionic proton-transfer step when useful.
HCl(aq)+NaOH(aq)→NaCl(aq)+H₂O(l). The net reaction is H⁺(aq)+OH⁻(aq)→H₂O(l), while Na⁺ and Cl⁻ are spectators.
Neutralisation does not always produce pH 7: a weak acid/strong base mixture or excess reagent can leave the solution acidic or basic.
ConceptA-Level CAIE Chemistry AS