Compounds formed by the reaction of an acid and a base are known as?

Compounds formed by the reaction of an acid and a base are known as salts. This reaction, commonly referred to as a neutralization reaction, occurs when hydrogen ions (H+) from the acid react with hydroxide ions (OH-) from the base to form water, while the remaining ions combine to create a salt. Salts can take various forms, often crystallizing and holding properties distinct from the original acid and base.

Understanding the formation of salts through this neutralization process is key in chemistry, especially in contexts such as skincare formulations that may utilize acids and bases. While esters, alkaloids, and alcohols are important chemical compounds, they are created through different reactions and mechanisms unrelated to the direct acid-base interaction that produces salts.