HYDROXIDE


Meaning of HYDROXIDE in English

n.

Any compound with one or more functional groups made up of one atom each of hydrogen and oxygen , bonded together and acting as the hydroxide anion (OH - ).

Hydroxides include the familiar alkalies of laboratory and industrial processes. Those of the alkali metal s ( lithium , sodium , potassium , rubidium, and cesium ), the strongest base s, are the most stable and soluble; those of the alkaline earth metal s ( calcium , barium , and strontium ), also soluble strong bases, are less stable. The hydroxides of most other metals are only slightly soluble but neutralize acid s; some are "amphoteric," reacting with both acids and bases. In compounds in which OH is un-ionized and covalently bonded (e.g., in methanol , CH 3 OH), it is known as a hydroxyl group.

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