Types of Acids in the Laboratory

1. Binary Acids

• Definition: Comprised of hydrogen and one other non-metallic element.
• Example: Hydrochloric acid (HCl).
• Naming: Begins with the prefix "Hydro-" followed by the non-metallic element name and the suffix "-ic".

2. Oxy Acids

• Definition: Acids containing hydrogen, oxygen, and at least one other element.
• Structure: Atoms must be bonded to result in at least one acidic hydrogen atom.
• Examples:
  • Nitric Acid: Derived from the nitrate ion (NO3-) combined with a hydrogen ion (proton).
  • Nitrous Acid: Derived from the nitrite ion (NO2-).
• Naming Rules:
  • Start by naming the element in the acid that is not hydrogen or oxygen.
  • Suffix depends on the suffix of the polyatomic ion:
    • An ion ending in "-ate" becomes "-ic" in the acid.
    • An ion ending in "-ite" becomes "-ous" in the acid.
  • Example Reactions:
    • Sulfuric Acid: From sulfate ion.
    • Sulfurous Acid: From sulfite ion.
    • Acetic Acid: From acetate ion.
    • Carbonic Acid: From carbonate ion.
    • Phosphoric Acid: From phosphate ion.

Additional Notes on Oxy Acids

• Hydrogen Atoms: Some oxy acids have multiple hydrogen atoms, each can be lost in sequential acid-base reactions.
• Oxygen Variability: Acids like chlorous acid and chloric acid vary in the number of oxygen atoms.
• Naming with Oxygen Variability:
  • Prefixes and suffixes are used to distinguish different oxy acids:
    • Hypochlorous Acid: Fewer oxygen atoms.
    • Perchloric Acid: More oxygen atoms.

Summary

• Two main types: Binary and Oxy acids.
• Naming involves specific rules based on the elements involved and their combinations in the acid structure.