The Acidic Environment > 4. Acid/Base Definitions >
Identify neutralisation as a proton transfer reaction which is exothermic
- Neutralisation: The proton transfer reaction between an acid and a base to produce a salt and water.
- Neutralisation reactions are exothermic, with the enthalpy change (ΔH) being approximately –56 kJ/mol, although this is dependant upon the strength of the acid and base, as well as the concentration of the solutions involved.
- The reaction of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide to form sodium chloride and water is an example of a neutralisation reaction.