Hi, sorry for the stupid question, but why isn't Cl also reacting with the H2O? Why is it only the H reacting in step 2 of ionisation? Is it because of the +/- charges?
The Cl anion is a weak conjugate base and therefore unable to react with the water by taking a H cation from the water molecule, because the water atoms in the water molecule are strongly bonded. The H is able to react in step 2 because it is a cation and therefore able to form a dative covalent bond with the water molecule.
So dissociation is where the substance you throw in the water breaks up into its base parts but the water remains unaffected and ionization is where the water changes as well?
