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Introduction
Acid is a compound capable of making a covalent bond with a pair of electrons. In these notes, we will study the strong acids. There are seven strong acids in chemistry. Their property of complete dissection into H+ and an anion (ions) while mixing with water makes them strong acids. The strong acids are unable to dissociate as they become more concentrated entirely. They dissociate 100% in the solution of lower concentration or 1.0 M. Please go through this detailed strong acid study material to understand concepts and properties of acid.
What are Strong Acids?
A strong acid (chemically known as HA) fully dissociates in a solution. Alternatively, we can say that it fully ionises in the aqueous solution. Strong acids remain in an aqueous solution due to high proton donation; a strong proton donor is a molecule with hydrogen attached to an electronegative atom, like halogen or oxygen—for example, iodine, chlorine, fluorine, and bromine. A strong acid leaves a proton in H2O and transfers it to H2O molecules, making hydronium ions (H3O+).
HA + H2O → H3O+(aq) + A–(aq)
Strong acids consist of a higher acid dissociation constant (Ka ) and a lower logarithmic acid dissociation constant (pKa).
The seven most important and most used strong acids in chemistry are –
- Hydrobromic acid (HBr)
- Nitric acid (HNO3)
- Hydrochloric acid (HCL)
- Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
- Perchloric acid (HCL04)
- Hydroiodic acid (HI)
- Chloric acid (HCL03)
Common Strong Acids
Hydrochloric acid: Hydrochloric Acid belongs to the class of strong acid. Commonly known as muriatic acid, it is colourless and smells strong. Hydrochloric acid is produced in the digestive system of humans and most other animals. It is used to make inorganic compounds, control pH levels, pickle steel, and purify metals. In general, it is one of the cheapest, easiest and safest to store powerful acids.
Nitric acid: It is commonly known as aqua fortis. It’s a highly corrosive acid. Nitric acid is colourless in its pure form, but it turns yellow when decomposing into nitrogen oxides and water. One of its most essential applications in biochemistry is nitration. A nitro group is introduced to a molecule in this step. Nitric acids are used as an oxidant in nylon manufacturing, rocket fuel oxidiser, and analytical reagent.
Sulfuric acid: Sulfuric acid is also known as oil of vitriol. It has no colour, no odour, and is viscous. Because sulfuric acid pulls water vapour so intensely, it does not occur naturally. It’s a dangerous acid to handle since it’s very corrosive and dehydrates skin quickly when it comes into contact with it, resulting in both acid chemical and thermal burns. Its main application is in the manufacture of fertilisers. This acid is widely used in pesticides, dyes, detergents, resins, explosives, acetate, paper, batteries, and pharmaceuticals. It is also used in water treatment plants for the purification of water.
Chemical Properties of Strong Acids
Some common chemical properties of the acids are given below:
- A strong acid is a chemical compound with a large number of ions, allowing electricity to pass through it. A weak acid or base is a compound that conducts electricity only weakly and contains only a few ions.
- A strong acid works as a catalyst in a chemical reaction.
- Acids with strong bonds are called “weak” acids since they exist mostly as molecules in solutions. Acids with weak bonds break down easily into ions and are referred to as “strong” acids.
Uses of Strong Acids
Acids are used in numerous industries and household works. Some most common uses of the acids are listed below:
- In batteries, strong acids such as sulfuric acid are commonly utilised. This acid is typically found in batteries used to start vehicle motors.
- Sulfuric and nitric acid are the strong acids used in the industrial production of explosives, dyes, paints, and fertilisers.
Conclusion
From the various properties, formulas, features, and examples of strong acids, we see that acid has much importance in human life – from day-to-day industrial activities to the human body’s biological processes like digestion. We can identify the acid as it shows various physical properties like bitter taste and sticky texture. Apart from this, various chemical processes are also available to identify acid-like litmus paper tests.
