disulphate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “disulphate” mean?
A chemical compound containing two sulfate groups, often in the form of a salt or ester (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound containing two sulfate groups, often in the form of a salt or ester (e.g., pyrosulphate).
In chemistry, specifically inorganic chemistry, it refers to the anion S₂O₇²⁻ (pyrosulfate) or a salt/ester containing it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'Disulphate' is the standard British spelling; 'disulfate' is the standard American spelling.
Connotations
Identical technical meaning. The spelling difference follows the broader pattern of 'sulphur/sulfur'.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to chemistry. The American spelling 'disulfate' may be marginally more common in modern international journals.
Grammar
How to Use “disulphate” in a Sentence
[Metal/Element] disulphatedisulphate of [Metal/Element][Compound] is a disulphateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disulphate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The disulphate compound was isolated.
American English
- The disulfate ion was characterized.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in chemistry textbooks or research papers discussing specific inorganic salts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary domain. Found in chemical nomenclature, laboratory manuals, industrial process descriptions (e.g., in mining or chemical manufacturing).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disulphate”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “disulphate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disulphate”
- Misspelling as 'disulfite' (a different sulfur-oxygen anion).
- Confusing it with 'dithionate' or 'dithionite'.
- Assuming it's a common term outside chemistry.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different anions. Disulphate is S₂O₇²⁻, while dithionate is S₂O₆²⁻.
No, it is a highly specialised chemical term with no application in general English.
Disulphate (S₂O₇²⁻) contains two linked SO₄ units. Bisulphate (HSO₄⁻) is the hydrogen sulphate ion, containing one SO₄ unit with an attached hydrogen.
It follows the regional variation between British English ('sulphur') and American English ('sulfur').
A chemical compound containing two sulfate groups, often in the form of a salt or ester (e.
Disulphate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Disulphate: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈsʌl.feɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈsʌl.feɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DI' (two) + 'SULPHATE'. It's a chemical with DOUBLE the sulphate groups.
Practice
Quiz
What is the core structural feature of a disulphate?