Autoprotolysis

[305113590]

How does OH- and H3O+ appear to move faster than other ions? I don't understand its connection with autoprotolysis.

[Milena Aragon 2B]

I'm not sure what you mean by move faster than other ions but H3O+ and OH- are related to autoprotolysis because they are the result of the autoprotolysis of water. It basically means that two identical molecules (in this case, water molecules) are able to transfer protons between one another. One acts as a base and the other as an acid. When this occurs, a hydronium ion and a hydroxide ion are formed.

[004932366]

OH- and H30+'s connection to autoprotolysis is the fact that water is an amphoteric molecule, meaning that it can act as both an acid and a base. This is relevant to autoprotolysis, a process in which a proton is transferred between two identical molecules (in this case water) that can act as both a Bronsted acid and base. This process is constant in water, meaning that reactions converting water to hydronium and hydroxide ions and the reverse is continuous.

[204929947]

can someone explain this to me and when would we use it, thanks.

[Shibhon_Shepard]

it just means that in this example water can be an acid and a base. With this said, some of them would give away their H+ and become OH- and the one receiving the proton would become H3O+ .