Autoionización del agua

H2O + H2O ⇌ H3O+ + OH

Descripción general

Water undergoes autoionization where one molecule acts as an acid (donates H⁺) and another acts as a base (accepts H⁺). The equilibrium constant Kw = [H₃O⁺][OH⁻] = 1.0 × 10⁻¹⁴ at 25 C, defining pH 7 as neutral. This endothermic reaction shifts right at higher temperatures, decreasing neutral pH.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Agua H₂O 2 (l)

Ejemplo cotidiano

The pH scale itself is defined by water autoionization, which is why pH 7 is neutral at 25 C and why neutral pH changes at different temperatures.

Importancia industrial

Principio fundamental de la química acuosa que rige el control de pH en todos los procesos industriales acuosos.

Preguntas frecuentes

What is the equation for Autoionización del agua?
The balanced equation is: H₂O + H₂O ⇌ H₃O⁺ + OH⁻.
What type of reaction is Autoionización del agua?
Autoionización del agua is a ácido-base reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Autoionización del agua exothermic or endothermic?
Autoionización del agua is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 55.8 kJ/mol.