hydronium

1. (inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry) The hydrated hydrogen ion, H₃O⁺.Examples: "The case of hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) is an example of this. In the gase^([sic]) phase, hydronium is a weak acid. The data in Table 3.10 indicates that bare hydronium ions have a higher electron affinity than most metal surfaces, so a bare hydronium ion should be neutralized when it absorbs on a bare metal surface. However, a hydrated hydronium ion is a stronger acid."; "Acids are compounds that produce hydronium ions when mixed with water.[…]The hydronium ion is a very special ion because it is the defining particle of all acids."; "Hydronium is not a way of stabilizing an acid, because the structure itself is so quickly transient that it can be considered as not existing."Synonyms: hydronium ionphysical