Protonated species

Protonated species are molecules or ions that have gained an extra proton (a positively charged particle). This happens during chemical reactions, usually in acidic conditions. When a molecule gains a proton, it can change its properties, such as reactivity or solubility. For example, when ammonia (NH3) accepts a proton, it becomes ammonium (NH4+), which is a different substance with different behavior in solutions. Understanding protonation is essential in chemistry because it influences how substances interact and react with one another in various processes, including biological functions and industrial applications.