An example of an ionic compound that produces hydroxide ions when dissolved in water is sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
When sodium hydroxide dissolves in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions (OH–). The presence of hydroxide ions in the solution makes it basic or alkaline. This process is essential in various chemical reactions and applications, particularly in industrial and laboratory settings.
For instance, when we mix sodium hydroxide in water:
- NaOH (s) → Na+ (aq) + OH– (aq)
Here, the (aq) notation indicates that the ions are in an aqueous solution, meaning they are surrounded by water molecules. The generation of hydroxide ions is what gives bases like sodium hydroxide their characteristic properties.