neutralizable

Neutralizable is an adjective used in chemistry to describe a chemical system that can undergo a neutralization reaction to reach a more neutral pH. In acid–base chemistry, neutralization occurs when an acid donates a proton (H+) to a base, which accepts it, typically yielding water and a salt. Substances that readily participate in such reactions are said to be highly neutralizable; those that react slowly or under special conditions may be considered poorly neutralizable.

The term is commonly applied to solutions, soils, wastewater, and other environments where adding an appropriate acid or base can move the pH toward neutrality. The degree of neutralizability depends on factors such as concentration, temperature, and the presence of buffering agents, as well as the potential formation of insoluble products that remove reactants from solution.

Examples include hydrochloric acid, which is easily neutralizable by sodium hydroxide, and ammonia, which can be neutralized by acids. Weak acids and bases often exhibit partial neutralizability, with buffering systems limiting the extent of pH change.

Limitations: some systems display buffering ranges where pH remains near a target despite the addition of acid or base, making neutralization more complex. In such contexts, neutralizable is understood with reference to specific conditions, including temperature, concentration, and the chemical environment.

See also: acid-base reaction, neutralization, buffering, pH, salt formation.