Inorganic Functions: Nomenclature of Acids | Traditional Summary
Contextualization
Acids are one of the main inorganic functions of chemistry, alongside bases, salts, and oxides. They are substances that, in aqueous solution, release H+ ions and are characterized by their sour taste and ability to react with bases to form salts and water. The nomenclature of acids is fundamental for scientific communication as it allows for the identification and standardized classification of these chemical substances. This knowledge is applied in various fields, such as in the chemical industry, biology, medicine, among other sciences.
Understanding the nomenclature of acids helps identify their practical applications in daily life. For example, hydrochloric acid (HCl), found in human gastric juice, is used in cleaning metal surfaces and in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Knowing the nomenclature rules of acids not only facilitates scientific communication but also provides a deeper understanding of how these substances interact in different contexts.
Definition of Acids
Acids are substances that, when dissolved in water, release H+ ions. This release of hydrogen ions is what gives acids their main characteristics, such as sour taste and the ability to react with bases to form salts and water. This definition is fundamental to understanding the role of acids in various chemical reactions and their importance in many areas of science and industry.
Acids can be found in a wide variety of contexts, from biological processes in the human body to the manufacture of industrial chemicals. For example, hydrochloric acid (HCl) is an important component of human gastric juice and is widely used in industry for metal cleaning and in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Understanding the definition and properties of acids is crucial for scientific communication and for the practical application of this knowledge in different fields. Knowing how acids behave and how they can be manipulated is essential for any chemistry student.
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Acids release H+ ions in aqueous solution.
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Characterized by sour taste and reactivity with bases.
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Important in biological and industrial contexts.
Classification of Acids
Acids can be classified into two main categories: hydroacids and oxyacids. This classification is based on the presence or absence of oxygen in the acid's composition. Hydroacids are acids that do not contain oxygen, while oxyacids have oxygen in their molecular structure.
Hydroacids are generally simpler in terms of composition. They are formed by hydrogen and a non-metallic element, such as chlorine in HCl (hydrochloric acid). On the other hand, oxyacids have a more complex structure and include oxygen, in addition to hydrogen and the central element, such as sulfur in H2SO4 (sulfuric acid).
This classification is important for nomenclature and understanding the chemical properties of acids. Knowing whether an acid is a hydroacid or an oxyacid helps predict its behavior in chemical reactions and apply the appropriate nomenclature rules.
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Hydroacids do not contain oxygen.
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Oxyacids contain oxygen in their composition.
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Classification influences nomenclature and chemical properties.
Nomenclature of Hydroacids
The nomenclature of hydroacids follows a simple rule. The name of the acid is formed by the prefix 'acid' followed by the name of the anion ending in 'ide'. For example, HCl is called hydrochloric acid, where 'chloric' derives from the anion chloride (Cl-).
This nomenclature rule is applied to all hydroacids, regardless of the non-metallic element present. Other examples include HBr, which is called hydrobromic acid, and HI, which is iodic acid.
Understanding these nomenclature rules is essential for scientific communication as it allows for the clear and precise identification of different acids. Furthermore, it facilitates the study and memorization of the properties and reactivities of these compounds.
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Acid name: prefix 'acid' + name of anion ending in 'ide'.
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Example: HCl is hydrochloric acid.
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Rule applies to all hydroacids.
Nomenclature of Oxyacids
The nomenclature of oxyacids is somewhat more complex and depends on the number of oxygens and the central element in the structure of the acid. Generally, the suffix 'ic' is used for acids with a higher number of oxygens, and 'ous' for those with a lower number of oxygens.
For example, sulfuric acid (H2SO4) has more oxygens than sulfurous acid (H2SO3). Likewise, nitric acid (HNO3) has more oxygens than nitrous acid (HNO2). This nomenclature helps differentiate acids that contain the same central element but in different oxidation states.
Moreover, for certain elements, there are additional prefixes to indicate even higher or lower oxidation states, such as 'per' (perchloric) and 'hypo' (hypochlorous) in the case of chlorine oxyacids. Understanding these rules is crucial for the correct identification and communication of the properties of oxyacids.
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Suffix 'ic' for higher number of oxygens, 'ous' for lower.
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Example: H2SO4 is sulfuric acid, H2SO3 is sulfurous acid.
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Additional prefixes like 'per' and 'hypo' for chlorine.
To Remember
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Acids: Substances that release H+ ions in aqueous solution.
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Hydroacids: Acids that do not contain oxygen.
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Oxyacids: Acids that contain oxygen in their composition.
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IUPAC Nomenclature: System of rules for naming chemical compounds.
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Hydrochloric Acid (HCl): Common hydroacid found in gastric juice.
Conclusion
During the lesson, we discussed the importance of acids as one of the main inorganic functions of chemistry and how they are classified into hydroacids and oxyacids. We understood that acids are substances that release H+ ions in aqueous solution and that this characteristic is fundamental for many chemical reactions, both in biological and industrial contexts.
We learned the IUPAC rules for naming acids, clearly differentiating between hydroacids, which do not contain oxygen, and oxyacids, which have oxygen in their composition. The nomenclature for hydroacids involves using the prefix 'acid' followed by the name of the anion ending in 'ide', while that for oxyacids depends on the number of oxygens and the central element, using the suffixes 'ic' and 'ous'.
The correct naming of acids is essential for precise scientific communication and for understanding the properties and applications of these compounds in various fields. This knowledge not only facilitates the study of chemistry but also promotes a deeper understanding of chemical interactions in different contexts, encouraging students to explore more about the topic and its practical applications.
