Question

Name the following acid salts: (a) \(\mathrm{KHSO}_{4},\) (b) \(\mathrm{LiHSO}_{3}\), (c) \(\mathrm{PbHAsO}_{4}\)

Short answer

The names of the acid salts are: (a) Potassium bisulfate, (b) Lithium bisulfite, (c) Lead hydrogen arsenate.

Step-by-step solution

- Understanding Acid Salts

Acid salts are a class of salts that still contain one or more replaceable hydrogen atoms that were part of the acid. Naming acid salts generally involves stating the cation followed by the modified name of the acid. The term 'hydrogen' or 'bis' is used to indicate the presence of the replaceable hydrogen atom(s) that remain.

- Naming KHSO4

Potassium bisulfate is named by stating the cation, potassium (K), followed by the modified acid name, bisulfate. The 'bi-' prefix indicates the presence of a hydrogen atom that has not been replaced by a cation.

- Naming LiHSO3

Lithium bisulfite is named by stating the cation, lithium (Li), followed by the modified acid name, bisulfite. This is similarly due to the presence of a hydrogen atom in the anion.

- Naming PbHAsO4

Lead hydrogen arsenate is named by stating the cation, lead (Pb), followed by 'hydrogen' to indicate the presence of the hydrogen atom, and then the name of the arsenate part of the molecule.

Key concepts

Understanding Acid Salts Chemistry

Grasping the concept of acid salts is crucial when diving into the intricacies of inorganic chemistry. Acid salts, sometimes referred to as hydrogen salts, are a particular type of salt that retains one or more hydrogen atoms from the acid it originates from. These hydrogen atoms could potentially be replaced by another cation, but they have not been, which gives acid salts distinctive properties.

What sets these compounds apart is their ability to both donate a hydrogen proton – characteristic of acids – and accept one – typical of bases. This dual nature allows for acid salts to often act as buffers, regulating pH in a solution by neutralizing added acids or bases. Fun fact: acid salts are found in many everyday products, such as baking powder, which contains sodium hydrogen carbonate.

Navigating Chemical Nomenclature

The process of chemical nomenclature can seem like navigating a language all on its own. It is a standardized way of naming compounds to provide a clear and systematic approach for identification. When naming acid salts, one typically starts with the name of the metal cation, such as 'potassium' in potassium bisulfate. The second part of the name usually modifies the acid name to indicate the presence of hydrogen atoms that have not been replaced by the metal cation.

To break this down further, consider the prefix 'bi-' or the word 'hydrogen' in names like potassium bisulfate and lead hydrogen arsenate. These notations are pivotal in signaling the presence and number of hydrogen atoms that remain from the original acid. The 'bi-' prefix is often used when there's one hydrogen present, while 'hydrogen' is spelled out as part of the name when it's integral in identifying the acid salt's specific anion component.

Hydrogen Salts Simplified

Exploring hydrogen salts more deeply, it’s worth noting that these compounds not only straddle the line between acids and bases but also possess their own unique set of properties that dictate their use in industrial applications and laboratory settings. Found within the greater category of acid salts, hydrogen salts specifically have that replaceable 'hydrogen' atom in their formula. For instance, lithium bisulfite (LiHSO3) can act as an antioxidant in food items.

When it comes to deciphering when a compound is a hydrogen salt, looking at its chemical formula is key. A hydrogen atom is generally bonded to an oxygen atom within the anion, making it a part of an oxyanion. This is marked by the 'H' in the chemical formulae like KHSO4 and PbHAsO4, and reflects the acid from which they are derived - in these cases, sulfuric and arsenic acids, correspondingly.