Reactivity 3.1 – Proton transfer reactions

3.1.7 – Neutralisation reactions

📌 Acid-base reactions

  • When acids and bases react together, it is known as a neutralisation reaction
  • The key concept behind a neutralisation reaction is that an acid and base react to form a salt and water
  • Other reactions with acids also produce salts but not water
  • For example, when acids react with metals the products are salt and hydrogen gas. Similarly, when acids react with carbonates, the prodcuts are salt, water and carbon dioxide gas
  • The distinguishing feature of neutralisation reactions is that the ONLY products formed will be salt and water
  • A well known example of a neutralisation reaction is the reaction between NaOH and HCl to give the salt NaCl