What is Neutralization Reaction?

Neutralization reaction is the reaction between the H⁺ ion of an acid and the OH^- ion of a base to form non-ionizable water molecules.

H⁺(aq) + OH^-(aq) → H₂O(l) or

H₃O⁺(aq) + OH^-(aq) → 2H₂O(l)

Note: in neutralization reaction, the negative ions of the acids and the positive metallic ions of the bases do not take part in the reaction process - they are regarded as spectator ions - they are left in the solution to form salts, while non-ionizable water molecules are formed.

Example, H⁺Cl^-(aq) + Na⁺OH^-(aq) → Na⁺Cl^-(aq) + H₂O(l)

Hence, the essential reaction in neutralization reaction is that between hydrogen ions, H⁺ or hydronium ions, H₃O⁺ and hydroxide ions, OH^-. The heats of neutralization for a number of neutralization reactions also corroborate this fact.