The case of hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) is an example of this. In the gase 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.

There is experimental evidence for the formation of coordination groups of hydroniums with several water molecules by hydrogen bridges.

Hydronium

Meaning

Noun

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