Which reaction involves the neutralization of acids and bases?

A neutralization reaction specifically involves the reaction between an acid and a base to produce a salt and water. This is characterized by the general equation where hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the acid combine with hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from the base. When these ions react, they form water, and the remaining ions from the acid and base combine to form a salt. This type of reaction is fundamental in chemistry when discussing pH levels, titrations, and various real-world applications like the treatment of acid spills or the function of antacids in neutralizing stomach acid.

The other types of reactions mentioned do not involve the direct interaction of acids and bases. Oxidation reactions pertain to the transfer of electrons and changes in oxidation states, synthesis reactions involve the combination of simpler substances into a more complex product, and decomposition reactions entail the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances. Hence, neutralization is distinctly identified as the reaction that specifically addresses the neutralization process between acids and bases.