Neutralization Reactions & Salts
Introduction
Acids and bases behave differently. For Example, they change the color of a litmus paper in a different way.
Hence, a "Neutralization Reaction" can take place if an acid is mixed with a base.
Example:
If HCl (as an acid) is mixed with NaOH ( as a base) → the products are NaCl (called a salt) and H2O
HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → H2O(l) + NaCl(aq)
Salt is an ionic compound whose cation comes from a base and comes fromn an acid.
In general, a neutralization reaction that takes place between an acid and a metal hydroxide produces salt and water.
A Net Ionic Equation can be written if both reactants and products are soluble strong electrolytes (completely ionize in solution)
Exercise
Exercise on Neutralization Reactions & Salts
Check your answers here:
Solution to the Exercise on Neutralization Reactions & Salts
Acid-Base Reactions with Gas Formation
Bases such as sulfides and carbonates react with acids and form salt and gases that have low solubility in water.
Example:
2HCl(aq) + Na2S(aq) → H2S(g) + 2NaCl(aq) (Molecular Equation)
2H+(aq) + S2(aq) → H2S(g) (Net Ionic Equation)
Exercise
Exercise on Acid-Base Reactions with Gas Formation
Check your answers here:
Solution to the Exercise on Acid-Base Reactions with Gas Formation
Example: HCl(aq) + NaHCO3(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2CO3(aq)
This explains why carbonates are used as neutralizers in acid spills and as antacids.
Examples:
| Commercial Name | Acid-neutralizing agent |
| Milk of Magnesia | Mg(OH)2 |
| Maalox ® | Mg(OH)2 & Al(OH)3 |
| Mylanta ® | Mg(OH)2 & Al(OH)3 |
| Rolaids ® | NaAl(OH)2CO3 |
| Tums ® | CaCO3 |
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Date of last modification: Summer , 2019