Hydrogen ion concentrations, in water

Since, in pure water, [H+] = [OH-], the hydrogen ion concentration in water is given by the square root of Kw, which is 1 X 10-7 mole litre-1. 

It seems surprising at first to refer to water as a base. This is probably due to the fact that we have always considered the hydrogen ion concentration in water identical with the hydroxonium concentration, and because the dissociation constant of water as well as of other solvents is exceedingly small. Alcohol is about five hundred times weaker than water as a base. Were we to add water to an alcoholic solution of an acid, the water would act qualitatively as does ammonia when it is added to an aqueous acid solution ... 

The properties of acids and bases are related to their chemical structure. All acids have common characteristics that enable them to increase the hydrogen ion concentration in water. All bases lower the hydrogen ion concentration in water. 

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See also in sourсe #XX -- [ , , ]

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