The chemical term "hydroxide ion" (hahy-drok-side ahy-uhn) refers to a negatively charged ion composed of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom. In IPA phonetic notation, the word "hydroxide" is pronounced as /haɪˈdrɑksaɪd/, while "ion" is pronounced as /ˈaɪən/. When combined, the spelling becomes "hydroxide ion", which represents an important concept in chemistry. This term is commonly used in discussions of acids and bases, as hydroxide ions are a key component in the process of neutralization.
A hydroxide ion is an anion, denoted as OH^-, that is formed when a water molecule (H2O) loses a hydrogen ion (H^+). It consists of one atom of oxygen and one atom of hydrogen, bonded together by a covalent bond. The hydroxide ion carries a negative charge due to an excess of electrons, and it is highly reactive in chemical reactions.
In aqueous solutions, such as water, hydroxide ions play a crucial role in determining the pH of a substance. They are responsible for the basic nature of substances that exhibit alkaline properties. Hydroxide ions readily combine with hydrogen ions (protons), resulting in the formation of water molecules. This characteristic ability to neutralize acids by accepting protons is the basis for the concept of bases in chemistry.
Common hydroxides include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), commonly known as caustic soda, and potassium hydroxide (KOH), also called caustic potash. These compounds are highly soluble in water, dissociating into their respective ions, which includes hydroxide ions. They have various applications in industries such as cleaning agents, manufacturing processes, and the production of soaps and detergents.
Furthermore, hydroxide ions also have significant implications in biological systems. In living organisms, they are involved in various physiological processes, including the regulation of pH balance, maintenance of cellular homeostasis, and functioning as important cofactors in enzymatic reactions. The concentration of hydroxide ions in biological fluids contributes to the overall acid-base balance and determines the overall functionality of biological systems.
The word "hydroxide ion" is derived from two components: "hydroxide" and "ion".
1. "Hydroxide": The term "hydroxide" originated from the Greek words "hydros" meaning "water" and "oxys" meaning "acid". It was coined in the early 19th century and referred to the combination of hydrogen and oxygen atoms, giving it the chemical formula OH-. The "-ide" suffix indicates that it is an anion, forming a compound by combining with a cation.
2. "Ion": The Latin word "ion" means "go" or "passage". In the context of chemistry, it refers to an electrically charged particle formed by gaining or losing electrons.