Oxoacids are essentially those acids that contain oxygen. Oxoacids are Acids containing hydrogen, oxygen, and another element. Oxoacids of sulphur can be found in either one of the four states- free, salt, free along with salt, and solution state. Oxoacids of sulphur contain at least one S=O Bond and one S-OH or S-SH bond. Sulphur shows a tetrahedral structure to oxygen. Some of these acids are unstable and cannot be isolated. They normally exist in an aqueous solution or the form of their salts.
In oxoacids, sulphur shows a tetrahedral structure concerning oxygen.Generally, these oxoacids have a minimum of one S=O bond and one S-OH bond. We also observe terminal peroxide groups, terminal S=S, terminal, and bridging oxygen atoms in these oxoacids. Let us now look at some of the most popular oxoacids and their properties.
Oxoacid of sulphur definition:
Oxoacids are acids that contain oxygen. Oxoacids of sulphur are the chemical compounds that contain sulphur, oxygen, and hydrogen. The most important industrially used oxoacid is sulphuric acid (H2SO4). Sulphur has a tetrahedral structure in oxoacids concerning oxygen.
Sulfuric acid:
Sulfuric acid is one of the most common sulphur oxoacids. It is a kind of diprotic acid (it ionises to give two protons). One atom of sulphur is connected to two hydroxyl groups in sulphuric acid, and the remaining two oxygen atoms form pie connections with the sulphur atom.
Structure of sulfuric acid:
sulfuric acid has tetrahedral geometry. Because the bond length of the sulphur oxygen link is shorter than that of the S-OH bond, oxygen atoms repel OH groups. As a result, the bond angle in a double bond of sulphur and oxygen is greater than the bond angle in a single bond of sulphur and oxygen. It is manufactured industrially by the contact method.
Properties of sulphuric acid:
Sulphuric acid is soluble in water. When it is dissolved, a huge amount of heat is liberated. It is a dangerous reaction. Hence, the concentrated acid is added very slowly to the water while stirring it constantly.
It condenses into a constantly boiling mixture.
It emits a pungent odour when exposed to damp air.
When it comes into touch with the skin, it causes serious burns.
Uses of sulfuric acid:
Sulphuric acid is one of the most significant compounds, with applications in practically every industry:
It is used in the production of fertilisers such as ammonium sulphate, superphosphate of lime, and others;
It is used in the production of dyes, explosives, and pharmaceuticals;
It is used in the production of acids such as HCl, HNO3, and others;
It is used in the production of a vast number of other chemicals.
It is used in galvanising, enamelling, and metallurgical operations
Sulphurous acid:
Sulfuric acid is a diprotic acid, which means that it ionises two protons. One sulphur atom is bonded to two hydroxyl groups in sulphurous acid, and one oxygen atom forms a pi bond with the sulphur atom. Sulphur dioxide is dissolved in water to make it.
Peroxodisulfuric acid:
Sulphur in the +6 oxidation state is present in peroxodisulfuric acid. As a result, it is a strong oxidising agent and a highly explosive substance in nature. Marshall’s acid is the common name for it. It has one peroxide group that forms a bridge between the two sulphur atoms.
Pyrosulphuric acid:
Oleum is another name for pyrosulfuric acid. It has 178.13 g/mol in molecular mass. An anhydride of sulphuric acid, it is a white, crystalline solid with a melting point of 36°C. Excess sulphur trioxide is combined with sulfuric acid to produce this substance. This is how people reacts:
H2SO4 + SO3 → H2S2O7
Thiosulphuric acid:
Thiosulfuric acid is an inorganic compound having the formula H2S2O3. As a basic, easily accessible, labile compound, it has grabbed the interest of academics. It has a limited number of applications:
Conclusion:
Sulphur oxoacids are chemical compounds that contain sulphur, oxygen, and hydrogen. The best known and most important industry used is sulfuric acid. Sulphur has several oxoacids; however, some of these are known only from their salt.