Proton-transfer reactions

Proton-transfer reactions involve the movement of a proton (a hydrogen nucleus) from one molecule to another. These reactions are fundamental in chemistry, especially in acids and bases. In an acid-base reaction, an acid donates a proton to a base, resulting in the formation of new molecules. This process affects the properties of substances, such as pH. Think of it like passing a small particle— a proton— from one person to another, changing their identities and behaviors. Proton transfers are crucial in biological processes, industrial chemistry, and environmental reactions, facilitating the formation or breakdown of complex molecules.