verb
- adding a proton (hydrogen ion) to a molecule or ion
Usage: chemistry; present participle of protonate
Examples
- The acid is protonating the base in this reaction.
- Protonating the amino group changes the molecule’s charge.
- The chemist observed the substrate protonating under acidic conditions.
- Water molecules are protonating the hydroxide ions.
- The process involves protonating the nitrogen atom.
- Protonating this compound makes it more soluble in water.