Definition of Hydronium Ion



The hydronium ion is also known as the hydroxonium ion and it is the aqueous positive ion H30+. This cation is produced as a result of the protonation of water. When an Arrhenius acid is being dissolved in water, the acid gives up its proton. This proton is then taken up by the molecule of water and this then turns itself into a hydronium ion.

 


Since the hydrogen ions are very reactive, they are not found in the free state and are readily solvated by water. The process in which the water reacts with the water in order to form a hydronium ion is termed the self-ionization of water. The resulting hydronium ions are generally short-lived.

 

View More General Chemistry Definitions