Question

Caro's acid is (d) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{~S}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{8}\) (a) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{5}\) (b) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{~S}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\)

Short answer

Caro's acid is \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{5}\).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Caro's Acid

Caro's Acid is a common name in chemistry. It refers to a specific peroxy acid associated with sulfur. Primarily, knowing the chemical composition or formula of Caro's Acid is essential to solve the problem.

Identifying Caro's Acid Formula

The formula for Caro's Acid is given as peroxymonosulfuric acid, which is denoted by \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{5}\). This might not seem obvious from its common name as it involves oxidation states and peroxy linkages.

Matching Formula with Options

Look at the options provided in the exercise:(a) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{5}\)(b) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{3}\)(c) \(\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{~S}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\)(d) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{~S}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{8}\)Match the correct formula \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{5}\) with the options.

Key concepts

Peroxymonosulfuric Acid

Peroxymonosulfuric acid, often referred to as Caro's Acid, is an important compound in the family of sulfur-containing acids. Its chemical formula is \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{5}\). The name `peroxymonosulfuric acid` helps us break down the compound's structure: the 'peroxy' part indicates the presence of an additional oxygen-oxygen single bond (the peroxide bond), while 'monosulfuric' tells us there is one sulfur atom involved in the compound. Caro's Acid finds use in various chemical reactions due to its strong oxidizing properties. It's often utilized in organic chemistry or wastewater treatment processes where a powerful oxidizer is beneficial. Understanding its role helps in comprehending its reactivity and applications.

Sulfur Oxidation States

Sulfur is a versatile element known for its varying oxidation states, ranging widely from \(-2\) to \(+6\). In peroxymonosulfuric acid (\(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{5}\)), sulfur is in the \(+6\) oxidation state. This high oxidation state signifies that the sulfur atom has lost a considerable number of electrons compared to its elemental form, thereby making it a powerful oxidizing agent. Analyzing sulfur's oxidation state can provide insights into the molecule's behavior and reactivity:

• An oxidation state of \(+6\) means that sulfur is highly oxidized, common in strong acids like sulfuric acid (\(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\)).
• Higher oxidation states are also typically associated with the ability to form bonds with additional atoms, such as the oxygen-oxygen bond seen in peroxides.

These properties influence how sulfur's compounds are used in industrial and chemical applications.

Chemical Formula Recognition

Recognizing a chemical formula involves understanding the arrangement and types of atoms present in a compound. In the problem presented, we identify Caro's Acid by its chemical formula \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{5}\). Chemical formula recognition serves as a fundamental skill in chemistry, allowing students to determine the composition, and from there, predict properties and reactivities of compounds. When we recognize the formula:

• \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\): indicates two hydrogen atoms.
• \(\mathrm{SO}_{5}\): indicates one sulfur atom bonded with five oxygen atoms, including the sensitive peroxide bond.

Examining these components builds a foundation to interpret, compare, and solve exercises involving chemicals like Caro's Acid.

Peroxy Acid Identification

Peroxy acids are a subset of acids characterized by the presence of a peroxy bond, which is an oxygen-oxygen single bond. Identifying them is crucial in understanding their distinct chemical nature and behavior. Caro's Acid (\(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{5}\)), being a prime example, is identified as a peroxy acid because of the presence of this peroxide linkage. Some key points to identify peroxy acids include:

• Observation of the specific peroxide bond, which is often reactive due to its instability.
• Recognition that the peroxy bond introduces unique reactivity, often increasing the substance's oxidizing potential.

Understanding these properties helps students navigate complex chemical problems, determining which acids are likely to participate in certain reactions.