Salt Hydrolysis
The reaction of a salt's ions with water to produce an acidic or alkaline solution.
Formula / equation
A⁻ + H₂O ⇌ HA + OH⁻
Unit
mol/L
In depth
Only ions derived from a weak parent acid or base hydrolyse appreciably; those from strong parents are spectators. The anion of a weak acid generates hydroxide, while the cation of a weak base generates hydrogen ions, and the resulting pH reflects which effect dominates.
Examples in the real world
Sodium carbonate solution is alkaline; ammonium chloride solution is acidic; sodium chloride is neutral.