autoprotolysis

(noun)

The autoionization of water (or similar compounds) in which a proton (hydrogen ion) is transferred to form a cation and an anion.

Related Terms

Examples of autoprotolysis in the following topics:

  • Acid-Base Properties of Water

    • This is an example of autoprotolysis (meaning "self-protonating") and it exemplifies the amphoteric nature of water (ability to act as both an acid and a base).