Hapnikuhappe

Hapnikuhappe, known in English as an oxyacid or oxoacid, is a class of acids that contain hydrogen, oxygen, and another element—typically a nonmetal. In these compounds, hydrogen is bound to oxygen, and the remaining part forms a polyatomic anion after deprotonation. Oxyacids are common in chemistry and occur widely in both natural processes and industrial applications.

Typical examples include sulfuric acid (H2SO4), nitric acid (HNO3), and phosphoric acid (H3PO4). Other well-known oxyacids are carbonic acid (H2CO3), chloric acid (HClO3), and perchloric acid (HClO4). The corresponding anions, such as sulfate (SO4^2–), nitrate (NO3^–), phosphate (PO4^3–), carbonate (CO3^2–), chlorate (ClO3^–), and perchlorate (ClO4^–), are formed upon loss of protons.

Key properties of hapnikuhapped acids include being polyprotic, meaning they can donate more than one proton, and their acidity is influenced by the oxidation state of the central atom. Generally, a higher oxidation state of the central nonmetal leads to stronger acids due to greater stabilization of the conjugate base through resonance and electronegativity. The strength trend among related oxoanions often mirrors the increasing oxidation state of the central atom.

Synthesis typically involves the reaction of nonmetal oxides with water or the hydration of oxides: for example, sulfur trioxide reacts with water to form sulfuric acid (SO3 + H2O → H2SO4). Oxyacids play essential roles in agriculture, industry, energy storage, and various chemical syntheses, and they are central to studies of acid–base chemistry and redox processes.

Related topics include oxoanions, polyprotic acids, and inorganic acid-base theory.