Neutralisation Reaction
The reaction between an acid and a base to produce a salt and water.
Formula / equation
HA + BOH → BA + H₂O
Unit
kJ/mol
In depth
The essential process is H⁺ combining with OH⁻ to form water, which is why the enthalpy of neutralisation of any strong acid with any strong base is almost constant at −57.1 kJ/mol. Weak acids or bases give smaller values, since part of the energy is consumed in ionising them.
Examples in the real world
HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O; antacid tablets neutralising excess stomach acid.