What is "protonolysis"

n. (context chemistry English) The breakup of a molecule following protonation

Protonolysis is the cleavage of a chemical bond by acids. Many examples are found in organometallic chemistry since the reaction requires polar M-R bonds, where δ+ and δ- signify partial positive and negative charges associated with the bonding atoms. When compounds containing these bonds are treated with acid (HX), these bonds cleave:

Hydrolysis (X = OH) is a special case of protonolysis. Compounds susceptible to hydrolysis often undergo protonolysis.