Autoionization refers to the process of an atom or molecule ionizing itself in a chemical reaction. Synonyms for autoion include self-ionization and self-ionization reaction. In this reaction, two identical molecules transfer an electron from one to the other to form a cation and an anion. This process often occurs in solvents like water and can affect pH levels and the behavior of ionic compounds. Other related terms include autoionizing states and autoionization potentials, which describe the energy required for an atom or molecule to undergo this process. Understanding autoionization is important for fields like chemical engineering and materials science, where the properties of ions and their interactions with other substances are critical.