Hydroxide ions

Hydroxide ions are negatively charged particles made up of oxygen and hydrogen atoms (OH−). They naturally occur in water and are responsible for the basic (alkaline) properties of solutions, such as feeling slippery or causing soap to foam. When hydroxide ions are present in a solution, they can neutralize acids by combining with hydrogen ions (H+), which results in water and sometimes other neutral compounds. They play an essential role in maintaining the pH balance of environments like bodies of water, soils, and industrial processes.