What types of substances serve as reactants in a neutralization reaction?

In a neutralization reaction, the primary reactants involved are acids and bases. This type of chemical reaction occurs when an acid reacts with a base to produce water and a salt, effectively neutralizing their properties. The process involves the donation of protons (H+) from the acid and the acceptance of protons by the base, resulting in the formation of water (H2O) and a salt, which consists of the cation from the base and the anion from the acid.

Understanding the relationship between acids and bases is essential in various applications, including the funeral service profession, as it pertains to the preparation of solutions and the management of embalming fluids. Acids have a pH less than 7, while bases have a pH greater than 7, with neutral substances having a pH of 7.

The other substances listed, such as alcohols, sugars, salts, metals, gases, and liquids, do not typically act as reactants in neutralization reactions. Alcohols and sugars do not have the necessary acidic or basic properties to participate in this specific type of reaction. Salts and metals do not serve as reactants in the classical sense of neutralization; rather, salts are often the products of neutralization.