Salt Hydrolysis
| Also Known As | Hydrolysis of salts, ionic hydrolysis, salt hydration reaction |
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What is Salt Hydrolysis?
Salt hydrolysis is the reaction of the cation or anion (or both) of a salt with water to produce an acidic or basic solution. When a salt of a weak acid and strong base dissolves, the anion hydrolyzes to give a basic solution. When a salt of a strong acid and weak base dissolves, the cation hydrolyzes to give an acidic solution. A salt of a strong acid and strong base gives a neutral solution.
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Salt hydrolysis is the reaction of the cation or anion (or both) of a salt with water to produce an acidic or basic solution. When a salt of a weak acid and strong base dissolves, the anion hydrolyzes to give a basic solution. When a salt of a strong acid and weak base dissolves, the cation hydrolyzes to give an acidic solution. A salt of a strong acid and strong base gives a neutral solution.
Predicting pH of salt solutions. Buffer preparation. Water treatment chemistry. Understanding biological pH regulation. Industrial process pH control. Food chemistry (bread leavening uses NaHCO₃). Pharmaceutical formulation.
Conceptual tool — safety depends on specific salt. Highly hydrolyzed salts of very weak acids (Na₂S, Na₃PO₄) give strongly basic solutions — corrosive.