Neutralization Reaction-Definition|Examples|Types

A neutralization reaction is a chemical reaction in which an acid reacts with a base and results in salt and water. The pH of the neutralized solution depends on the strength of the acid and the base. Depending on the strength of the reactants, we can have different types of salts. These types of reactions are widely used in water treatment, pH control applications, soil treatment, salt synthesis, etc. In this article, we look at the examples, definitions, types, and applications of a neutralization reaction.

Neutralization reaction definition

We can define a neutralization reaction as a simple chemical reaction between an acid and a base. The reaction yields salt and water molecules. The most common example of neutralization is the reaction between hydrochloric acid(an acid) and sodium hydroxide(a base). This reaction yield sodium chloride(a salt) and water. The cation form the base (Na+ ion) and the anion from the acid (Cl– ion) reacts together to form the salt. The proton is neutralized by the hydroxyl ions to form water(H2O) molecules.

Neutralization reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide
Neutralization reaction between hydrochloric acid(acid) and sodium hydroxide(base) [Note: sizes of atoms are just for representation, actual sizes may vary]

Neutralization reaction examples

  • The reaction between Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to yield sodium chloride(NaCl) and water(H2O)
Example of neutralization reaction
  • The reaction between Potassium chloride (KCl) and Sodium hydroxide(NaOH) to yield Potassium chloride(KCl) and water(H2O)
Example of neutralization reaction
  • The reaction between Hydrochloric acid (2HCl) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) to yield Calcium chloride (CaCl2) and water (2H2O)
Example of neutralization reaction
  • The reaction between Nitric acid (2HNO3) and Barium hydroxide(Ba(OH)2) to yield Barium nitrate Ba((NO3)2) and water(2H2O)
Example of neutralization reaction
  • The reaction between Hydrogen iodide(HI) and Potassium hydroxide(KOH) to yield Potassium iodide(KI) and water(H2O)
Example of neutralization reaction

For more examples, you can read our blog post on the 25 examples of neutralization reaction.

Types of acid-base neutralization reaction

  • The reaction between a strong acid and strong base to yield a neutral salt
  • The reaction between a weak acid and a weak base to yield a neutral salt
  • The reaction between a strong acid and a weak base yield an acid salt
  • The reaction between a weak acid and a strong base to yield a base salt

You can read our article on types of salts to know more about these reactions.

Application of neutralization reaction

Water treatment: Water generated from industries, mines, etc is generally polluted with acidic compounds. These compounds can be neutralized by using an appropriate base. The neutralization reaction also causes a change in pH which in some cases also initiates the precipitation of heavy metals. You can read this article titled “Evaluation of Efficiencies of Locally Available Neutralizing Agents for Passive Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage” where authors have studied various chemicals to treat contaminated water generated from the mining industry by pH neutralization.

Synthesis of salts: We can synthesize the desired salt by reacting acids and bases with respective anions and cations.

pH control: In many applications, pH is a very crucial factor. This applies to seed germination, plant growth, efficient functioning of body organs, etc. For example, the formation of kidney stones is affected by pH. So, the addition of bases or acids in such conditions can alter the pH to the optimum levels.

What are the applications of neutralization reactions in our daily life?

  • The toothpaste we use is basic in nature so that it can neutralize the acidic compounds in our teeth. The pH is a very important factor for tooth decay. Low pH allows the bacteria to grow and create cavities in our teeth. Eating acidic foods can affect your oral health. You can read more in this article.
  • When we have a sensation of acidity in our stomach we take antacids to neutralize the acidity. The antacids are made up of basic compounds which react with the acids and neutralize them. One famous example is magnesium hydroxide.
  • We add lime(CaO) to treat soil with low pH(acidic). The pH of the soil has an impact on the germination of seeds.

See Also

Examples of neutralization reaction
Concentration of ore
Binary compounds
Conductivity of water
Benedict’s test
10 differences between oxidation reaction and reduction reaction