Problem 22 - Chemistry Matter and Change

Question

Name the following acids. Assume each compound is dissolved in water. $$\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The acid is named sulfuric acid.

Step 1: Identify the Anion

The chemical formula given is \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \). To name this acid, first identify its anion, \( \text{SO}_4^{2-} \), which is known as sulfate.

Step 2: Determine the Acid Naming Rule

Since the anion name is sulfate and it ends with '-ate', the naming rule for acids that have anions ending in '-ate' is to change '-ate' to '-ic' and add the word 'acid' at the end of the name.

Step 3: Name the Acid

Following the rule, change sulfate to sulfuric by replacing 'sulfate' with 'sulfuric'. Thus, the name of the acid \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \) is sulfuric acid.

Key Concepts

Understanding Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid is one of the most commonly used industrial chemicals. Its chemical formula is \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \), which means it is composed of two hydrogen atoms, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms. This strong acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns, so it must be handled with great care. In industries, it is a crucial substance used in manufacturing fertilizers, cleaning products, and metals processing.

• Composition: Sulfuric acid contains the sulfate ion \( \text{SO}_4^{2-} \).
• Reactivity: It is highly reactive with metals and water.

Due to its importance and properties, understanding sulfuric acid is fundamental in both academic studies and practical applications.

The Significance of the Sulfate Ion

The sulfate ion \( \text{SO}_4^{2-} \) plays a pivotal role in the nomenclature of acids. It consists of one sulfur atom covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms. As a polyatomic ion, sulfate can combine with other ions, forming a variety of compounds.

• Structure: Structured as a tetrahedron, where sulfur is at the center, surrounded by four oxygen atoms.
• Charge: Possesses a -2 charge, making it an anion.

The naming of sulfuric acid stems from the presence of this ion. When combined with hydrogen ions, it forms the well-known sulfuric acid, demonstrating the critical role of sulfate in acid naming and chemical reactions.

Basics of Acid Nomenclature

Naming acids, also known as acid nomenclature, involves specific rules depending on the anion they contain. When an acid's anion ends in '-ate', like sulfate in sulfuric acid, the acid's name changes accordingly.

• ‘-ate’ Anion Rule: Replace '-ate' with '-ic' plus the word 'acid'.
• Practical Application: Knowing these rules helps in identifying and naming acids in chemistry.

For example, in the case of \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \), the sulfate ion dictates that the corresponding acid is called sulfuric acid. This systematic approach to naming facilitates communication and understanding in the scientific community.