Neutralization Definition in Chemistry

What You Need to Know About Neutralization Reactions

Mixing an acid and a base to produce a neutral solution is neutralization.
Mixing an acid and a base to produce a neutral solution is neutralization. Steve McAlister, Getty Images

A neutralization reaction is a chemical reaction between an acid and a base which produces a more neutral solution (closer to a pH of 7). The final pH depends on the strength of the acid and base in the reaction. At the end of a neutralization reaction in water, no excess hydrogen or hydroxide ions remain.

Neutralization Examples

The classic example of a neutralization is the reaction between an acid and a base to yield a salt and water:

acid + base → salt + water

For example:

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O

The right arrow indicates the reaction completes to form the product. While the classic example is valid, a more general expression based on Bronsted-Lowry acid-base theory is:

AH + B → A + BH

For example:

HSO4- + OH- → SO42- + H2O

is also an example of a neutralization reaction.

Strong vs Weak Acids and Bases

While strong acids and strong bases completely dissociate, weak acids and bases only partially dissociate to form an equilibrium mixture. The neutralization remains incomplete. Thus, the right arrow is replaced by arrows pointing both toward products and reactants. An example of a neutralization with a weak acid and base would be:

AH + B ⇌ A- + BH+

Source

  • Steven S. Zumdahl (2009). Chemical Principles (6th ed.). New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. pp. 319–324.
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Neutralization Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/definition-of-neutralization-604576. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, February 16). Neutralization Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-neutralization-604576 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Neutralization Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-neutralization-604576 (accessed March 19, 2024).