PROTONATED Meaning and
Definition
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Protonated is an adjective that refers to the process of a molecule or atom receiving or accepting a proton. In chemistry, a protonated species is one that has gained a proton, which is a positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom. This process is commonly observed in acidic environments or in reactions involving acids.
When a molecule or atom is protonated, it results in the formation of a new chemical species that has a net positive charge due to the addition of the proton. This charge imbalance is often temporary and can influence the behavior of the molecule or atom in chemical reactions or interactions with other substances.
The protonation process can be important in various areas of chemistry, including organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physical chemistry. For example, in biochemistry, protonation of certain functional groups in proteins or enzymes can significantly affect their catalytic activity or binding abilities. In physical chemistry, protonation can influence the solubility, stability, or reactivity of a compound.
Overall, the term protonated describes a chemical species that has undergone protonation, resulting in the addition of a proton and a net positive charge. Understanding protonation is vital for comprehending the behavior and properties of molecules and atoms in various chemical contexts.
Etymology of PROTONATED
The word "protonated" is derived from the noun "proton". The term "proton" comes from the Greek word "prōton", meaning "first". It was first used in 1920 by the British physicist Ernest Rutherford, who introduced the concept of protons as the positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. The suffix "-ated" is added to "proton" to form the word "protonated", indicating the process or state of gaining or accepting a proton.
