Meaning & use
Protonate
Last updated
To add a proton to an atom, molecule, or ion, typically forming a positively charged species.
See it in a sentence
The enzyme works by protonating a specific amino acid in the active site.
In acidic solution, the amine group readily protonates.
A note on using this word
A core concept in acid-base chemistry: acids are often defined as substances that protonate other molecules.
Words with a similar meaning
ionize
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
deprotonate
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