acid hydrogen

noun

Meaning

A hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative element, making it susceptible to dissociation as a positively charged ion.

Examples

  • The acidity of the carboxylic acid group is determined by the ease with which the acid hydrogen can be removed.
  • When the molecule reacts with a base, the acid hydrogen is the first to be transferred.

Synonyms: proton, labile hydrogen, ionizable hydrogen, acidic proton