What is the chemical reaction between an acid and a base?

When an acid and a base react, they produce salt and water. This type of reaction is referred to as an acid-base reaction or neutralization reaction. An acid-base reaction involves the transfer of one or more hydrogen ions (H⁺) between different chemical species. These species can include neutral molecules like water or acetic acid, as well as charged ions such as ammonium, carbonate ions or hydroxide. These reactions are exothermic since their bonds are broken and energy is released as a byproduct.