|
Whether a compound containing such an X-O-H group is an acid or a base depends on which bond is stronger, X-O or O-H, as illustrated onthe right. If X represents an atom of low electronegativity such as lithium, then oxygen pulls the electrons in the X-O bond toward itself, and in aqueous solutions the substance dissociates in the following way:  Because hydroxide ions are produced, the substance is a base. Lithium hydroxide, LiOH, is an example. |
