sulphurous acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Specialized Technical)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “sulphurous acid” mean?
A weak, unstable acid formed when sulfur dioxide dissolves in water, with the formula H₂SO₃.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A weak, unstable acid formed when sulfur dioxide dissolves in water, with the formula H₂SO₃.
In industrial and environmental contexts, it refers to the acidic solution responsible for acid rain formation from sulfur dioxide pollution. In chemistry, it's an intermediate in various sulfur-based industrial processes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'sulphurous' (UK) vs. 'sulfurous' (US). The chemical formula and meaning are identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with industrial pollution, acid rain, and pungent, choking smells.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general discourse but standard in chemical, environmental, and industrial texts.
Grammar
How to Use “sulphurous acid” in a Sentence
[SO₂] dissolves to form sulphurous acid[process] yields sulphurous acid[solution] contains sulphurous acidVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sulphurous acid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The flue gases will sulphurate the condensate, effectively forming sulphurous acid.
American English
- The process sulfonates the compound, but initially, it sulfonates via a sulphurous acid intermediate.
adverb
British English
- The gas reacted sulphurous-acid-like with the moisture present.
American English
- It corroded sulfurous-acid-quickly, indicating a high SO₂ concentration.
adjective
British English
- The sulphurous acid vapour was detectable by its sharp odour.
American English
- The sulfurous acid mist posed a corrosion risk to the equipment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In reports on environmental compliance or industrial emissions: 'The scrubbers reduce emissions that would otherwise form sulphurous acid.'
Academic
In chemistry or environmental science papers: 'The equilibrium between dissolved SO₂ and sulphurous acid was measured.'
Everyday
Rare. Possibly in discussions of pollution or acid rain: 'That smokestack smell is from gases that make sulphurous acid in the rain.'
Technical
Precise in engineering, chemistry, and environmental controls: 'The pH of the condensate indicated the presence of sulphurous acid.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sulphurous acid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sulphurous acid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sulphurous acid”
- Calling it 'sulfuric acid'.
- Using 'sulfuric' and 'sulfurous' interchangeably.
- Assuming it can be stored as a pure, concentrated acid like H₂SO₄.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sulphurous acid (H₂SO₃) is weak, unstable, and formed from sulfur dioxide. Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is strong, stable, and a major industrial chemical.
It is the primary chemical agent in 'acid rain', causing environmental damage to forests, lakes, and buildings.
Not as a pure substance. It exists only in solution and decomposes easily. Laboratories prepare it as needed by dissolving SO₂ gas in water.
It's a spelling variant: 'sulphurous' is British English, 'sulfurous' is American English. The 'ph' vs. 'f' follows the same pattern as 'sulphur/sulfur'.
A weak, unstable acid formed when sulfur dioxide dissolves in water, with the formula H₂SO₃.
Sulphurous acid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Sulphurous acid: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌl.fjʊə.rəs ˈæs.ɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsʌl.fjʊr.əs ˈæs.ɪd/ (US spelling alters pronunciation to /ˌsʌl.fɚ.əs/). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SULPHUR' (the element) + 'OUS' (full of, like in 'dangerous') + 'ACID'. It's the acid 'full of sulphur', specifically from burning sulphur.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLLUTION IS A CORROSIVE AGENT. The acid metaphorically 'eats away' at stone structures (buildings, statues) and ecosystems.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary industrial source of the precursor to sulphurous acid?