Hydroxylionen
Hydroxylionen, also known as hydroxyl ions, are negatively charged hydroxyl groups (HO⁻) that play a key role in many chemical and biological processes. They are formed when a proton is removed from water or hydroxyl-containing molecules, and they are often generated in the presence of strong bases or during electrochemical reactions. The ion possesses a high affinity for hydrogen bonding, which influences the structure and properties of aqueous solutions. In acidic solutions, hydroxylionen act as a base; they can neutralize protons and help maintain pH balance, a function that is essential in physiological systems where pH must be tightly controlled.
In organic synthesis, hydroxylionen are frequently employed as nucleophiles, attacking electrophilic centers in a variety of