HYDROXYL ION Meaning and
Definition
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A hydroxyl ion, commonly represented as OH-, is a chemical species formed by the dissociation of a water molecule (H2O) when it loses a hydrogen cation (H+) due to the presence of a base. It is an anionic form of a hydroxide group, characterized by the covalent bond between an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom.
In aqueous solutions, hydroxyl ions play a crucial role in determining the pH level of the substance since they contribute to the basicity or alkalinity of the system. Their presence indicates a higher concentration of hydroxide ions, resulting in a solution with a pH value above 7, which is considered as a basic or alkaline solution. Hydroxyl ions have the ability to accept protons, acting as Lewis bases and enabling them to neutralize and combine with acidic substances. This reaction produces a water molecule, thereby restoring its initial equilibrium.
Hydroxyl ions have several applications in various chemical processes, including the production of soaps, detergents, and cleaning agents due to their ability to break down and dissolve organic matter. Additionally, they are involved in chemical reactions such as hydrolysis, precipitation, and complexation. Their role in biochemical reactions is also vital, as they participate in enzymatic reactions and are crucial components of functional groups found in organic compounds.
In summary, the hydroxyl ion is an anionic species resulting from the removal of a hydrogen ion from a water molecule, contributing to basicity/alkalinity in aqueous solutions and exhibiting various chemical, industrial, and biochemical applications.
Common Misspellings for HYDROXYL ION
- gydroxyl ion
- bydroxyl ion
- nydroxyl ion
- jydroxyl ion
- uydroxyl ion
- yydroxyl ion
- htdroxyl ion
- hgdroxyl ion
- hhdroxyl ion
- hudroxyl ion
- h7droxyl ion
- h6droxyl ion
- hysroxyl ion
- hyxroxyl ion
- hycroxyl ion
- hyfroxyl ion
- hyrroxyl ion
- hyeroxyl ion
- hydeoxyl ion
Etymology of HYDROXYL ION
The word "hydroxyl ion" is derived from the combination of two terms: "hydroxyl" and "ion".
1. "Hydroxyl" originates from the Greek word "hudroxýlus" (ὑδροξύλος), where "hydro-" means water and "-xyl" refers to wood. This combination comes from the early observation that when an alkali metal, such as sodium or potassium, is dissolved in water, it forms a solution that can dissolve many substances, including wood. Thus, the term "hydroxyl" denotes a compound that includes both hydrogen and oxygen, typically in the form of -OH.
2. "Ion" stems from the Greek word "ión" (ἰών), which means "going" or "coming". It refers to a charged particle formed when an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons.
Similar spelling words for HYDROXYL ION
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