neutraltonegative

Neutraltonegative is a nonstandard term used in some scientific discussions to describe materials, molecules, or surfaces that can exist in either a neutral or a negatively charged state depending on conditions. It is not part of formal chemical nomenclature and does not denote a single fixed property; rather, it signals a variable charge state influenced by factors such as pH, redox potential, adsorption of electrons or protons, or the surrounding ionic environment.

In chemistry and materials science, neutraltonegative can describe systems with charge flexibility. This includes surfaces that approach a neutral net charge near the isoelectric point, or molecules with both acidic and basic groups that can be neutralized or deprotonated under different conditions. For colloids and interfacial science, a neutraltonegative description may be used to explain why a particle’s zeta potential remains near zero under certain conditions but becomes negative when pH shifts or chemical species are added.

The term is informal and definitions vary, so when it appears in literature it should be accompanied by explicit state descriptions, such as the exact pH, potential, or chemical composition that yield neutral versus negatively charged forms. Caution is advised to avoid conflating neutraltonegative with truly neutral (net zero charge) or strictly anionic species (net negative charge).

Related concepts include isoelectric point, zeta potential, redox state, and amphoteric surfaces. The use of neutraltonegative emphasizes charge state variability rather than a fixed charge category.