
Inorganic acids
Definition & Composition
Inorganic Acids are proton (H⁺) donors that:
Contain no carbon in molecular structure (vs. organic acids)
Dissociate in water to form conductive solutions (e.g., H₃O⁺ ...
Category:Inorganic Chemicals
Introduction
Definition & Composition
Inorganic Acids are proton (H⁺) donors that:
- Contain no carbon in molecular structure (vs. organic acids)
- Dissociate in water to form conductive solutions (e.g., H₃O⁺ + Cl⁻)
Key Feature:
- High reactivity with metals, bases, and organic materials.
Common Types & Properties
Acid | Formula | Strength | Key Properties |
---|---|---|---|
Sulfuric Acid | H₂SO₄ | Strong | Dehydrating, viscous (98% conc.) |
Hydrochloric Acid | HCl | Strong | Volatile, corrosive to metals |
Nitric Acid | HNO₃ | Strong | Oxidizing, yellow fuming (≥68%) |
Phosphoric Acid | H₃PO₄ | Weak | Non-oxidizing, food-safe (85% conc.) |
Hydrofluoric Acid | HF | Weak | Glass-etching, penetrates skin |
Industrial Applications
Industry | Use Case | Example Acid |
---|---|---|
Chemical | Fertilizer production (H₃PO₄, HNO₃) | Phosphoric acid (wet process) |
Metallurgy | Metal cleaning/pickling (HCl, H₂SO₄) | Hydrochloric acid (18–22%) |
Electronics | Silicon wafer etching (HF) | Buffered HF solutions |
Food & Pharma | pH adjuster (H₃PO₄) | Cola beverage additive |
Safety & Handling
Parameter | Requirement |
---|---|
Storage | HDPE/PTFE containers (glass for HF) |
PPE | Acid-resistant gloves, face shield |
Neutralization | NaOH/CaCO₃ for spills |
Ventilation | Fume hood mandatory for concentrated |