Proton Transfer A Closer Look at Acid-Base Reactions

Proton Transfer A Closer Look at Acid-Base Reactions 

We gain deeper insight into acid-base reactions if we look closely at the species in solution. Let s see what takes place when HCl gas dissolves in water. Polar water molecules pull apart each HCl molecule, and the H ion ends up bonded to a water molecule. In essence, HCl transfers its proton to H2O  

hydrochloric acid (an aqueous solution of HCl gas) actually consists of solvated H3O and Cr ions. 

When sodium hydroxide solution is added, the H3O ion transfers a proton to the OH ion of the base (with the product water shown here as HOH)  

Without the spectator ions, the transfer of a proton from H3O to OH is obvious  

---