hydroxide
OH⁻
Hydroxide (OH-) is a polyatomic ion composed of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom. It has a negative charge due to an excess number of electrons. It is usually found combined with a positively charged ion to form a stable compound, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).
Hydroxide is a strong base as it can accept hydrogen ions (H+) from solutions. When added to an acidic solution, hydroxide ions will react with hydrogen ions, forming water molecules (H2O). This process is known as neutralization.
Hydroxide ions play an essential role in basic chemistry concepts, such as acid-base reactions, pH, and solubility. The concentration of hydroxide ions affects the pH of a solution, with higher amounts of hydroxide ions leading to a more basic (alkaline) solution, while lower amounts of hydroxide ions lead to a more acidic solution.
In summary, hydroxide is a negatively charged polyatomic ion composed of one oxygen and one hydrogen atom. It is commonly found in various chemical compounds and plays a significant role in acid-base reactions, pH, and solubility.
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