In chemistry, a zwitterion (/ˈtsvɪtər.aɪ.ən/ TSVIT-ər-eye-ən; from German zwitter [ˈtsvɪtɐ] "hybrid" and formerly called a dipolar ion) is a neutral molecule with both a positive and a negative electrical charge. Multiple positive and negative charges can be present. Zwitterions are distinct from dipoles, at different locations within that molecule. Zwitterions are sometimes also called inner salts.