Acidic Salt
Definition and meaning of Acidic Salt in chemistry.
An acidic salt is a salt that contains one or more ionizable hydrogen atoms bonded to the anion and produces an acidic solution (pH less than 7). These salts form from incomplete neutralization of polyprotic acids.
In more detail
The acidic character arises because the hydrogen atoms attached to the anion can further dissociate, releasing additional hydrogen ions into solution. For instance, the bisulfate ion (HSO4−) in sodium bisulfate can donate a proton, making the solution acidic. Acidic salts demonstrate an important principle: the pH of a salt solution depends on the relative strengths of the conjugate acid and base formed. They appear commonly in laboratory applications and industrial processes.
Key facts
| Field | Inorganic Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Example formula | KHSO4, NaHSO4 |
| pH range | Less than 7 (acidic) |
| Formation process | Incomplete neutralization of polyprotic acids |
Potassium hydrogen sulfate (KHSO4) is an acidic salt where the bisulfate ion (HSO4−) can further dissociate to release additional H+ ions, creating a noticeably acidic aqueous solution.
Frequently asked questions
How does an acidic salt differ from a neutral salt?
Neutral salts form from complete neutralization of a strong acid and strong base. Acidic salts retain ionizable hydrogen atoms from a polyprotic acid, allowing further dissociation.
Is sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) an acidic salt?
No. Although sodium bicarbonate contains an ionizable hydrogen, the bicarbonate ion's basic properties dominate, making the solution basic (pH ≈ 8.3). It is a basic salt, not an acidic salt.