Introduction of Hydrogen Sulfate
Hydrogen sulfate is also known as Bisulfate is an anion and the formula is HSO4 and is formed with the chemical radical sulfate (HSO4).
When Hydrogen Sulfate gets exposed to water, it reacts and forms Sulphuric Acid, the formula of which is H2SO4. Hydrogen Sulfate is acidic in nature and is used as a weaker alternative to Sulfuric acid. Hydrogen sulfate reacts with Sodium to form Sodium Bisulfate (NaHSO4) which is a pure substance. The Hydrogen Sulfate formula shows that one atom of hydrogen and one atom of sulfur along with four atoms of oxygen.
Chemical Reaction of Hydrogen Sulfate
Hydrogen sulfate is highly reactive with distilled water, and forms sulfate and hydronium ions. The chemical equation is given by:
HSO4– + H2O → H3O+ + SO42-
Also reacts with nitrate ions, in order to form sulfate ions and nitrous acid. The chemical equality:
HSO4– + NO2- → SO42- + HNO2
Taking water as a base, Hydrogen Sulfate reacts to form hydronium ions. This happens according to the Brønsted-Lowry Acid-Base Reactions, where an acid-based reaction will only occur when one proton is transferred from one molecule to another.
HSO4−(aq)+H2O(l) ⇌ H3O + (aq) +SO2− 4(aq).
As per the Brønsted-Lowry, an acid-base reaction is known to occur when there is a transfer of one proton from one ion or from one molecule to another. In that way, the water acts as a base since it is shown to react with HSO4−, and this is a better proton donor. This happens because of the amphoteric nature of water, and it acts both as a base and as an acid.
Uses of Hydrogen Sulfate
Hydrogen Sulfate is used in water treatment plants to remove residual chlorine. Hydrogen sulfate is a major alternative to liquid sulfur dioxide. The production of nitre cake is done with sodium salts of hydrogen sulfate. The resins formed from hydrogen sulfate are used to soothe the skin.
Hydrogen sulfate also commonly known as bisulfate is an anion. The hydrogen sulphate formula is given by HSO4-. Hydrogen sulfate is formed with the chemical radical sulfate (HSO4). When HSO4 are exposed to water, they react to form Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4). With the Sulfate radial, hydrogen sulfates are generally acidic in nature. In fact, they are used as a weaker alternative to Sulfuric acid. Hydrogen sulfate reacts with Sodium to form Sodium Bisulfate (NaHSO4) which is actually a pure substance. It creates a tetrahedral arrangement with the Sulfur atom at the center and four Oxygen atoms surrounding it. It forms a structure similar to that of Methane.
Structure of Hydrogen Sulfate
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Physical Properties of Hydrogen Sulfate
Chemical Properties of Hydrogen Sulfate
Some of the chemical properties of Hydrogen Sulfate are given below:
Hydrogen sulfate is highly reactive with distilled water, forming sulfate and hydronium ions. Its chemical equation is given by:
HSO4– + H2O → H3O+ + SO42-
It can also react with nitrate ions, in order to form sulfate ions and nitrous acid. The chemical equality is down below:
HSO4– + NO2– → SO42- + HNO2
Hydrogen sulfate can also react with water (as a base) and form hydronium ions. This happens as per the Brønsted-Lowry Acid-Base Reactions.
HSO4−(aq)+H2O(l) ⇌ H3O+(aq)+SO2-4(aq)
As per the Brønsted-Lowry, an acid-base reaction actually occurs when there is a transfer of one proton from one ion or molecule to another. In the above case, water acts as a base since it reacts with HSO4−, which is a better proton donor. This happens due to the amphoteric nature of water. It can act both as a base and acid.
Hydrogen Sulfate Uses
Some of the major use cases of Hydrogen sulfate are given below:
It is mainly used in the water treatment plants in order to remove any residual chlorine.
Hydrogen sulfate is one of the major alternatives to liquid sulfur dioxide
The production of niter cake is done with the help of sodium salts of hydrogen sulfate
The resins formed from hydrogen sulfate are heavily used to soothe the skin
What is Sulfate?
Sulfate with its chemical formula, SO42- is actually a sulfur oxoanion. By deprotonation of both the OH group in Sulfuric acid, one can actually obtain the sulfate radical.
What is Strong and Weak Acid?
Based on the pH level of the compound, one can actually determine whether it is a strong acid or a weak one. On the scale of 0 -14, the pH level decreases, the acidic nature increases. In fact, in some strong acids like HCL, the pH can even go below 0. Strong acids get completely dissociated in water. However, weak acids only get partially dissociated in water.
What are the Differences Between Hydrogen Sulfate and Hydrogen Sulfide?
Hydrogen sulfide can be easily identifiable. It has a distinct odor that resembles the smell of rotten eggs. It is produced after the decomposition of animal and plant tissue. High concentrations of it can be quite toxic and is very corrosive to metal objects. It even has the potential to corrode stainless steel. Hydrogen sulfate is also another form of sulfur. However, unlike hydrogen sulfide, it does not produce gas and does not contain odor. It occurs naturally in minerals like rocks, soils and sediments. Sulfate can be harmful for our health too. High levels of sulfate consumption can act as a laxative and that can cause dehydration in human beings.
Solved Questions
Example 1
How to find the oxidation number of S in hydrogen sulfate?
From the formula of hydrogen sulphate, we know that it is HSO4-
According to the general rule of oxidation number,
All the oxidation number must add up to the charge of the ion
The oxidation number of H is 1
The oxidation number of O is -2
So, According to the question,
1 + S + (-2) * 4 = -1
S = 6, So the oxidation number of Sulfur is 6 in hydrogen sulfate.
Example 2
We all know that hydrogen sulfate or HSO4 acts as either a base or acid in water. So, in which of the following equations, hydrogen sulfate acts as an acid, and why?
1) HSO4- + H2O = H2SO4 + OH-
2) HSO4- + OH- = H2SO4 + O2-
3) HSO4- + H2O = SO42-N + H3O -
4) HSO4- + H3O - = SO3 + 2H2O
The answer is option 3. Here HSO4- is actually acting as an acid because of the H+ ion that it gives away. As for the other equations, the HSO4 name is acting as a base, either giving away OH- or taking H+ ion.
FAQs on Hydrogen Sulfate
1. What is the chemical formula and charge of the hydrogen sulfate ion?
The chemical formula for the hydrogen sulfate ion is HSO₄⁻. It is an anion, which means it carries a negative charge. Specifically, the hydrogen sulfate ion has a charge of -1. It is formed when sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) loses one proton (H⁺).
2. What are the key differences between hydrogen sulfate (HSO₄⁻) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)?
While related, hydrogen sulfate and sulfuric acid are distinct chemical species. The main difference is that sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a neutral molecule, whereas hydrogen sulfate (HSO₄⁻) is its conjugate base, an ion with a -1 charge. Sulfuric acid is a very strong acid that readily donates a proton. Hydrogen sulfate can also act as an acid by donating its remaining proton, but it is significantly weaker than sulfuric acid.
3. Explain the primary uses of hydrogen sulfate in various industries.
Hydrogen sulfate salts, particularly sodium bisulfate, have several important industrial applications. Key examples include:
- Water Treatment: It is used to adjust the pH of water, especially in swimming pools and spas, and to remove residual chlorine.
- Cleaning Products: It serves as a primary ingredient in many acidic cleaning compounds for descaling toilets, drains, and industrial equipment.
- Metal Finishing: It is used in processes like pickling to remove oxide scale from metal surfaces before plating or coating.
- Food Additive: Certain bisulfate salts are used as food acidulants to lower pH and prevent spoilage.
4. How is the oxidation state of sulfur calculated in the hydrogen sulfate ion (HSO₄⁻)?
To calculate the oxidation state of sulfur (S) in HSO₄⁻, we use the following rules:
1. The overall charge of the ion is -1.
2. The oxidation state of Hydrogen (H) is typically +1.
3. The oxidation state of Oxygen (O) is typically -2.
Let 'x' be the oxidation state of sulfur. The equation is:
(+1) + x + 4(-2) = -1
1 + x - 8 = -1
x - 7 = -1
x = +6
Therefore, the oxidation state of sulfur in the hydrogen sulfate ion is +6.
5. Why can hydrogen sulfate act as both an acid and a base?
Hydrogen sulfate (HSO₄⁻) can act as both an acid and a base, a property known as being amphiprotic. According to the Brønsted-Lowry theory:
- It acts as an acid by donating its proton (H⁺) to a base, forming the sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻). Example: HSO₄⁻ + H₂O ⇌ SO₄²⁻ + H₃O⁺.
- It acts as a base by accepting a proton (H⁺) from a stronger acid, forming sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). Example: HSO₄⁻ + H₃O⁺ ⇌ H₂SO₄ + H₂O.
6. What are the main differences in properties between hydrogen sulfate and hydrogen sulfide?
Hydrogen sulfate (HSO₄⁻) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) are often confused but are very different. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a toxic, flammable gas known for its strong 'rotten egg' smell. It is a weak acid in water. In contrast, hydrogen sulfate (HSO₄⁻) is an ion, typically found as a solid salt (like sodium bisulfate). It is odourless, non-flammable, and a much stronger acid than H₂S.
7. Is hydrogen sulfate harmful to humans?
Yes, hydrogen sulfate, particularly in its salt form like sodium bisulfate, can be harmful. It is a skin and eye irritant and can cause severe burns upon direct contact, especially in concentrated forms. Ingesting it can cause serious damage to the gastrointestinal tract. While naturally occurring sulfate in drinking water is less of a concern, high concentrations can have a laxative effect and cause dehydration.
