What is acid-base neutralization reactions definition in chemistry?

There are different types of chemical reactions in chemical science. Acid-base neutralization reaction is an example of one type of chemical reactions.

In acid-base neutralization reaction, an acid reacts with base to produce salt and water. At the end of the reaction, the solution overall becomes neutral.

The chemical process by which an equivalent amount of acid reacts with an equivalent amount of alkali results in the complete disappearance of acid and alkali properties, producing salt and water, that chemical process is called acid-base neutralization reaction.

For example, NaCl and water are produced by the reaction of equivalent amount of NaOH with an equivalent amount of concentrated HCl.

Acid-base neutralization curve of strong acid (HCl) and strong base (NaOH) are shown below.

Due to the absence of excess H + and OH-ions present in the resulting solution, the properties of acids and alkalis are completely lost.

What Are The Types Of Acid-Base Neutralization Reactions?

There are different types of acid-base neutralization reactions. Out of these, four types of acid-base neutralization reactions are important. These four types reaction are,

1. Acid-base neutralization reaction between strong acids and strong bases. For example, reaction between concentrated sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide [Conc. H2SO4 + NaOH].

In this case any indicator is used to indicate the end point or neutralization point.

2. Acid-base neutralization reaction between strong acids and weak bases. Such as reaction between concentrated hydrochloric acid and ammonium hydroxide [Conc. HCl + NH4OH].

In this case, methyl orange is used as an indicator to indicate the end point or neutralization point.

3. Acid-base neutralization reaction between weak acids and strong bases. For example, reaction between acetic acid and sodium hydroxide [CH3COOH + NaOH].

In this case, phenolphthalein indicator is used to indicate the end point or neutralization point.

4. Acid-base neutralization reaction between weak acids and weak bases. Such as reaction between acetic acid and ammonium hydroxide [CH3COOH + NH4OH].

In this case there is no suitable indicator to indicate the neutralization point or end point. Indicators are used on the basis of acids and bases used in this case.

Acid base neutralization reaction in non aqueous solvent

Acid-base neutralization reaction is also take place in non aqueous solvent, such as liquid ammonia, liquid sulfur dioxide and liquid HF acid.Few more examples of acid- base neutralization reactions in non aqueoussolvent are shown below.

What indicator is used in acid base neutralization reaction?

In the reaction of acids and alkalis, the moment at which the properties of acid and alkali are completely lost and the solution isneutralized, that moment is called end point.

Different indicators are used to determine the end point of different types of acid-base neutralization reactions.

A list of indicators those used for different types of acid-base neutralization reactions are shown below.

What are the uses of acid-base neutralization reactions?

Acid-base neutralization reactions determine the strength of an unknown amount of acid and alkali.

Simple stoichimetric calculations with the known volume of the unknown and the known volume and molarity of the added chemical gives the molarity of the unknown.

There are many uses for acid-base neutralization reactions. One of the most common uses is antacids.

Antacids are used to neutralize the excess acid needed in the stomach and to raise the pH value of the digestive juices to the appropriate level. Usually antacids like Al (OH) 3, Mg (OH) 3, MgCO3, etc. are used.Blood pH is also maintained through acid-base neutralization reaction.

Another common use of acid-base neutralization reactions is to control the pH of fertilizer and soil. Calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate may be worked into soil that is too acidic for plant growth.

Fertilizers that develop plant growth are made by neutralizing sulfuric acid or nitric acid with ammonia gas, making ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate.

Besides, the pH of wastewater is measured by the acid-base neutralization reaction. This reduces water pollution in the environment. For pH control, popular chemicals including CaCO3, CaO, Mg (OH)2, and NaHCO3.

The selection of an appropriate neutralization chemical depends on the particular application.