Alkoxide ion, RO−

Definition

An alkoxide ion is the conjugate base of an alcohol, formed by the deprotonation of an alcohol, resulting in a negatively charged oxygen bonded to an alkyl group. It is represented by the formula RO−, where R represents an alkyl group.

Related terms

Alcohol:

An organic compound containing one or more hydroxyl (−OH) groups attached to a carbon atom.

Deprotonation:

The removal of a proton (H+) from a molecule, resulting in the formation of its conjugate base.

Conjugate base:

A species formed by the removal of a proton from an acid, which can accept a proton during the reverse reaction