hydrogen sulphate
LowTechnical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A chemical compound with the formula HSO₄⁻; the anion formed when one proton is removed from sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄). Also refers to salts containing this anion.
Commonly used to refer to acidic salts (e.g., sodium hydrogen sulphate) and the bisulphate ion. In industrial contexts, often synonymous with 'bisulphate'. Can also refer to the ester form (organic sulphates).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a chemistry term. Often used interchangeably with 'bisulphate', though in strict IUPAC nomenclature, 'hydrogen sulphate' is preferred for the HSO₄⁻ ion. Not to be confused with 'sulphuric acid' (H₂SO₄) or 'sulphate' (SO₄²⁻).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English uses 'sulphate', American English uses 'sulfate'. Pronunciation of the initial 's' sound may also differ slightly.
Connotations
Identical technical meaning. No significant connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general language but standard in scientific contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Substance] reacts with hydrogen sulphate to form...Hydrogen sulphate acts as a [role] in...The hydrogen sulphate ion is...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Only in specific industrial contexts (e.g., chemical manufacturing, water treatment supply contracts).
Academic
Standard in chemistry textbooks, research papers, and laboratory manuals at secondary and tertiary levels.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Unlikely to be encountered outside educational or specific industrial settings.
Technical
Core term in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, and industrial processes involving acids and salts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The hydrogen sulphate solution was carefully decanted.
- A hydrogen sulphate salt was precipitated.
American English
- The hydrogen sulfate solution was carefully decanted.
- A hydrogen sulfate salt was precipitated.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The formula for the hydrogen sulphate ion is HSO₄⁻.
- Sodium hydrogen sulphate is sometimes used in cleaning products.
- In the reaction, sulphuric acid partially dissociates to form hydrogen sulphate ions and hydronium ions.
- The pH of a potassium hydrogen sulphate solution is acidic due to further dissociation.
- The hydrogen sulphate ion can act as either an acid or a base in solution, making it amphiprotic.
- Industrial effluent containing hydrogen sulphate requires neutralisation before disposal to prevent metal pipe corrosion.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Hydrogen' (H) + 'Sulphate' (SO₄) = HSO₄. It's the 'halfway' form between sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) and sulphate (SO₄²⁻).
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualized as a 'partner' or 'intermediate' ion, bridging a strong acid and its full salt.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'сероводород' (that's hydrogen sulphide, H₂S).
- Correct equivalent is often 'гидросульфат' (for the salt) or 'гидросульфат-ион' (for the ion).
- Do not confuse with 'сульфат водорода' (a less common name for sulphuric acid).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄).
- Misspelling as 'hydrogen sulphide' (a toxic gas).
- Incorrectly balancing chemical equations by treating it as SO₄²⁻.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason sodium hydrogen sulphate is used in some household cleaners?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sulphuric acid is H₂SO₄. Hydrogen sulphate refers to the HSO₄⁻ ion or salts containing it, which have only one acidic hydrogen remaining.
Sulphate (SO₄²⁻) is the fully deprotonated anion. Hydrogen sulphate (HSO₄⁻) has one hydrogen atom still attached, giving it a -1 charge and different chemical properties.
Yes, hydrogen sulphate ions can occur in acidic mine drainage, certain volcanic waters, and as a component of some minerals like jarosite.
They are synonyms. 'Bisulphate' is a traditional name still widely used, but 'hydrogen sulphate' is the systematic name recommended by IUPAC to clearly indicate the composition.