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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 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.
A base
The electrical charge of the hydoxyl ion is -1.
A substance that yields an anion plus the hydroxyl ion in water is a strong base. Examples include sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) which dissociate completely in water to produce hydroxide ions.