Hydroksidiionit

Hydroksidiionit, also known as hydroxide ions, are chemical species with the formula OH-. They consist of an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a hydrogen atom, with an overall negative charge. This negative charge arises from an excess electron. Hydroxide ions are polyatomic anions, meaning they are composed of more than one atom.

In aqueous solutions, hydroxide ions are a key component of bases. They are produced when ionic compounds containing the hydroxide ion, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH), dissolve in water. Alternatively, hydroxide ions can be formed through the dissociation of water itself, though in pure water this occurs to a very small extent. The concentration of hydroxide ions is a fundamental measure of the alkalinity or basicity of a solution.

Hydroxide ions play crucial roles in numerous chemical and biological processes. They are involved in acid-base neutralization reactions, where they react with hydrogen ions (H+) to form water. This property makes them effective cleaning agents, as they can saponify fats and break down organic matter. In biological systems, hydroxide ions are essential for maintaining cellular pH balance and are involved in enzymatic reactions and metabolic pathways. The reactivity of hydroxide ions makes them versatile in industrial applications, including the production of chemicals, paper, and textiles.