Neutralization Reactions

neutralization reactions

a reaction in which an acid and a base react in an aqueous solution to produce a salt and water

equivalence point

the point in a titration where the number of moles of hydrogen ions equals the number of moles of hydroxide ions

standard solution

a solution of known concentration used in carrying out a titration

Titration

process used to determine the concentration of a solution (often an acid or base) in which a solution of known concentration (the standard) is added to a measured amount of the solution of unknown concentration until an indicator signals the end point

end point

the point in a titration at which the indicator changes color

What are the products of the reaction of an acid with a base?

In general, the reaction of an acid with a base produces water and one of a class of compounds called salts.

What is the endpoint of a titration?

The point of neutralization is the end point of the titration.

If you mix a solution of a strong acid containing hydronium (hydrogen) ions with a solution of a strong base that has an equal number of hydroxide ions, a neutral solution results.

Examples:

HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l)

H₂SO₄(aq) + 2KOH(aq) → K₂SO₄(aq) + 2H₂O(l)

The steps in a neutralization reaction are as follows.

1. A measured volume of an acid solution of unknown concentration is added to a flask.

2. Several drops of the indicator are added to the solution while the flask is gently swirled.

3. Measured volumes of a base of known concentration are mixed into the acid until the indicator just barely changes color.