proton transfer

Proton transfer involves the movement of a hydrogen ion (a proton, which is just a hydrogen atom missing its electron) from one molecule to another. Imagine two molecules close together—when one donates a proton, it becomes negatively charged, and the receiver becomes positively charged. This process is fundamental in chemistry, influencing reactions like acid-base interactions, where acids donate protons and bases accept them. Proton transfer helps explain many biological functions, energy production, and how substances interact at the molecular level. It’s a key mechanism shaping the behavior and stability of molecules in various environments.