verb
- adds a proton (hydrogen ion) to a molecule or ion
Usage: chemistry; technical
Examples
- The acid protonates the base in this reaction.
- Water protonates ammonia to form ammonium ions.
- The enzyme protonates the substrate during catalysis.
- Strong acids readily protonate weak bases.
- The solvent protonates the organic compound.
- This buffer system protonates at low pH values.