disulphuric acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical)Scientific / Technical
Quick answer
What does “disulphuric acid” mean?
An inorganic acid with the formula H₂S₂O₇, composed of two sulphuric acid molecules linked by an oxygen atom.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An inorganic acid with the formula H₂S₂O₇, composed of two sulphuric acid molecules linked by an oxygen atom.
Used as an intermediate in sulphuric acid production and in chemical syntheses, often found as oleum when dissolved in sulphuric acid.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English uses 'disulphuric acid', American English uses 'disulfuric acid'.
Connotations
None; purely technical term.
Frequency
Equally common in scientific contexts, with spelling variation by region.
Grammar
How to Use “disulphuric acid” in a Sentence
Typically used as a singular mass nounOften modified by adjectives e.g., concentrated disulphuric acidVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disulphuric acid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The disulphuric compound was analysed in the lab.
American English
- The disulfuric compound was analyzed in the lab.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used outside of chemical manufacturing reports.
Academic
Common in chemistry textbooks and research papers on inorganic acids.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in chemistry for the acid H₂S₂O₇.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disulphuric acid”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “disulphuric acid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disulphuric acid”
- Misspelling as 'disulfuric' in British contexts or 'disulphuric' in American contexts.
- Confusing it with sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Disulphuric acid is an inorganic acid with the formula H₂S₂O₇, formed from two molecules of sulphuric acid.
Disulphuric acid (H₂S₂O₇) has two sulphur atoms and is more concentrated and dehydrating than sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄).
It is used in the production of sulphuric acid, as a sulfonating agent in organic synthesis, and in the manufacture of explosives and dyes.
Yes, it is highly corrosive and a strong dehydrating agent, requiring proper safety precautions when handling.
An inorganic acid with the formula H₂S₂O₇, composed of two sulphuric acid molecules linked by an oxygen atom.
Disulphuric acid is usually scientific / technical in register.
Disulphuric acid: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˌsʌlˈfjʊərɪk ˈæsɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˌsʌlˈfjʊrɪk ˈæsɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'di-' means two, so disulphuric acid has two sulphur atoms from two sulphuric acid molecules.
Conceptual Metaphor
A dimer of sulphuric acid
Practice
Quiz
What is the chemical formula of disulphuric acid?