A mineral acid (or inorganic acid ) is an acid derived from one or more inorganic compounds , as opposed to organic acids which are acidic, organic compounds. All mineral acids form hydrogen ions and conjugate bases when dissolved in water.
Features
Commonly used mineral acids are sulfuric acid , hydrochloric acid , and nitric acid ( also known as bench acid [ citation needed ] ). Mineral acids range from superacid ( perchloric acid ) to very weak ones ( boric acid ). Mineral acids are very soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents.
Mineral acids are used in many areas of the chemical industry as feedstocks for the synthesis of other chemicals, both organic and inorganic. Large quantities of these acids – especially sulfuric acid, nitric acid and hydrochloric acid – are manufactured for commercial use in large plants.
Mineral acids are also directly used for their corrosive properties. For example, a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid is used to remove deposits from the inside of the boiler, with care taken to prevent corrosion of the boiler by the acid. This process is known as descaling.
Example
- hydrochloric acid hcl
- Nitric Acid HNO 3
- Phosphoric Acid H3PO4 _ _
- Sulfuric Acid H 2 SO 4
- Boric Acid H 3 BO 3
- Hydrofluoric Acid HF
- Hydrobromic Acid HBr
- Perchloric Acid HClO 4
- Hydroiodic Acid HI
What is the difference between an organic acid and a mineral acid?
The main difference between mineral acids and organic acids is that mineral acids do not essentially contain carbon and hydrogen whereas organic acids contain carbon and hydrogen atoms.
Which of the following is an inorganic mineral?
Gases – Hydrogen, Helium, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Fluorine, Neon, Chlorine, Argon, Krypton, and Xenon. Solids – Boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, germanium, arsenic, molybdenum, tellurium and iodine.
Is mica an organic mineral?
Mica mica (English: Mica) present in the rock is a multi-use mineral that is found in the form of fragments in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It can be cut in very thin layers. It is colorless or light yellow, green or black in color. Mica is a complex silicate compound.
