The self-ionization of water (also autoionization of water, and autodissociation of water) is an ionization reaction in pure water or an aqueous solution, in which a water molecule, H2O, loses the nucleus of one of its hydrogen atoms to become a hydroxide ion, OH−. The hydrogen nucleus, H+, immediately protonates another water molecule to form hydronium, H3O+. It is an example of autoprotolysis, and exemplifies the amphoteric nature of water.
Read more about Self-ionization Of Water: Equilibrium Constant, Dependence On Temperature, Pressure and Ionic Strength, Isotope Effects, Mechanism, Relationship With The Neutral Point of Water
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