peroxymonosulfuric acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / SpecialisedTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “peroxymonosulfuric acid” mean?
A chemical compound with the formula H₂SO₅, which is the simplest of the peroxyacids of sulfur, containing one peroxy group. Also known as Caro's acid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound with the formula H₂SO₅, which is the simplest of the peroxyacids of sulfur, containing one peroxy group. Also known as Caro's acid.
A powerful oxidizing agent used in industrial processes such as bleaching, disinfection, and in some organic synthesis reactions. It is a more reactive and unstable form of sulfuric acid.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The only potential difference is in the spelling of 'sulfuric' vs 'sulphuric' (British). The word 'peroxymonosulfuric' is so technical that the '-f-'/'ph-' distinction is often not consistently applied even in British scientific journals. The name 'Caro's acid' is universally used.
Connotations
No difference in connotation. It is a purely technical term.
Frequency
Identically rare in both varieties, confined to advanced chemistry textbooks, research papers, and industrial contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “peroxymonosulfuric acid” in a Sentence
The laboratory prepared peroxymonosulfuric acid via the reaction of chlorosulfuric acid with hydrogen peroxide.Peroxymonosulfuric acid oxidises organic contaminants effectively.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “peroxymonosulfuric acid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The peroxymonosulphuric acid solution was handled with extreme care.
American English
- The peroxymonosulfuric acid reaction pathway was studied.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Might appear in procurement documents for industrial chemicals.
Academic
Exclusively used in advanced chemistry, chemical engineering, and environmental science research.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Described in chemical literature, safety data sheets, and process engineering manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “peroxymonosulfuric acid”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “peroxymonosulfuric acid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peroxymonosulfuric acid”
- Misspelling as 'peroxymonosulphuric' (British variant) in international journals that prefer '-sulfur-'.
- Confusing it with peroxydisulfuric acid (H₂S₂O₈) or with peroxymonosulfate salts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is a strong oxidizer and can be highly corrosive, reacting violently with many organic materials. It requires specialised handling and storage.
Its primary uses are in industrial bleaching, disinfection, and as an oxidant in certain organic chemistry reactions. Its salts, like potassium peroxymonosulfate, are more common in commercial products.
Peroxymonosulfuric acid (H₂SO₅) has an extra oxygen atom forming a peroxide (-O-O-) group, making it a much stronger and less stable oxidising agent than ordinary sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).
It is named after the German chemist Heinrich Caro, who characterised it in the late 19th century. Eponyms like this are common in chemistry for historical reasons.
A chemical compound with the formula H₂SO₅, which is the simplest of the peroxyacids of sulfur, containing one peroxy group. Also known as Caro's acid.
Peroxymonosulfuric acid is usually technical / scientific in register.
Peroxymonosulfuric acid: in British English it is pronounced /pəˌrɒksiːˌmɒnəʊsʌlˈfjʊərɪk ˈæsɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˌrɑksiːˌmoʊnoʊsəlˈfjʊrɪk ˈæsɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PEROXy + MONO + SULFURIC ACID → An acid based on sulfuric acid, with one (mono) extra oxygen atom in a peroxy (-O-O-) bridge.
Practice
Quiz
What is the common name for peroxymonosulfuric acid?