A hydroxyl ion is a component of a base.
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Hydroxyl ions form when a water molecule loses a hydrogen ion (H+) and gains an electron, resulting in an OH- ion. This process is also known as dissociation or ionization of water. The presence of hydroxyl ions contributes to the basicity of a solution.
A base
Bases dissociate in water to form hydroxide ions (OH-) which can then bond with water molecules to form hydroxyl ions (OH-) and release positively charged ions. This process is called ionization.
A solution that contains an equal number of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions is a neutral solution, like pure water. In pure water, the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) is equal to the concentration of hydroxyl ions (OH-), resulting in a neutral pH of 7.
The electrical charge of the hydoxyl ion is -1.
Hydroxyl free radicals can be produced through the Fenton reaction, which involves the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with ferrous ions to generate hydroxyl radicals. Another method is through the photolysis of water, where sunlight splits water molecules into hydroxyl radicals.