Deprotonation is the removal of a proton (a hydrogen cation, H⁺) from a molecule, forming the conjugate base. The proton removal decreases positive charge in the molecule and increases negative charge. Deprotonation usually occurs from the donation of electrons or acceptance of the proton using a base, which forms its conjugate acid.

Deprotonation is the removal of a proton (a hydrogen cation, H⁺) from a molecule, forming the conjugate base. The proton removal decreases positive charge in the molecule and increases negative charge. Deprotonation usually occurs from the donation of electrons or acceptance of the proton using a base, which forms its conjugate acid.