* Hydroxide ion (OH⁻): The water molecule loses a proton, leaving behind a hydroxide ion.
* The base's conjugate acid: The base gains a proton, forming its conjugate acid.
Here's a general representation of the reaction:
Base + H₂O ⇌ Conjugate Acid + OH⁻
Example:
Let's say the base is ammonia (NH₃):
NH₃ + H₂O ⇌ NH₄⁺ + OH⁻
In this case:
* NH₃ is the base.
* H₂O is the water molecule.
* NH₄⁺ is the conjugate acid of ammonia.
* OH⁻ is the hydroxide ion.
Key Points:
* This reaction is an equilibrium reaction, meaning it can proceed in both directions.
* The strength of the base determines the extent of the reaction. Stronger bases will more readily abstract protons from water.
* The formation of hydroxide ions makes the solution more basic.
