Protonophore

A protonophore, also known as a proton translocator, is an ionophore that allows protons to cross lipid bilayers. This would otherwise not occur as protons have positive charge and hydrophilic properties, making them unable to cross without a channel or transporter.

Generally, protonophores are lipid-soluble and have π-orbitals which delocalize a proton's charge.

Representative protonophores include:
* 2,4-dinitrophenol
* Carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP)