When Does Autoionization of Water Occur?

Autoionization of water
Since acids and bases react with each other, this implies that water can react with itself! While that might sound strange, it does happen −water molecules exchange protons with one another to a very small extent. We call this process the autoionization, or self-ionization, of water.

Is the autoionization of water spontaneous?

The self-ionization of water (also autoionization of water, and autodissociation of water) is an ionization reaction in pure water or in an aqueous solution, in which a water molecule, H2O, deprotonates (loses the nucleus of one of its hydrogen atoms) to become a hydroxide ion, OH−.

How do you account for autoionization of water?

The autoionization of liquid water produces OH− and H3O+ ions. The equilibrium constant for this reaction is called the ion-product constant of liquid water (Kw) and is defined as Kw=[H3O+][OH−]. At 25 °C, Kw is 1.01×10−14; hence pH+pOH=pKw=14.00.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.