What ions are usually produced during the dissociation of a base?

During the dissociation of a base in an aqueous solution, hydroxide ions are typically produced. A base, by definition, is a substance that can accept protons (H⁺) or provide hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in solution. The formation of hydroxide ions is a characteristic reaction of bases, contributing to their alkaline properties.

For instance, when sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is dissolved in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The increase in hydroxide ions in the solution results in a higher pH, indicating the presence of a basic environment.

Other choices involve different processes; for example, hydronium ions are formed in the presence of acids, salt ions refer to the product of neutralization reactions between acids and bases, and acid ions specifically denote those from acidic substances. Thus, hydroxide ions are the primary ions associated with the dissociation of bases.