Karbolihappo

Karbolihappo is the Finnish term for carbonic acid. It is a weak diprotic acid with the chemical formula H2CO3. Carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water. This reaction is reversible, meaning that carbonic acid can also decompose back into carbon dioxide and water. The equilibrium between carbon dioxide, water, and carbonic acid is important in many natural processes, such as the carbon cycle and the buffering of rainwater.

In aqueous solutions, carbonic acid exists in equilibrium with its conjugate bases, bicarbonate (HCO3-) and carbonate (CO32-). The relative proportions of these species depend on the pH of the solution. At low pH, carbonic acid is the dominant species. As the pH increases, bicarbonate becomes more prevalent, and at high pH, carbonate is the main form. This equilibrium is crucial for regulating the pH of natural waters like oceans and lakes.

Carbonic acid plays a significant role in geology, particularly in the weathering of rocks. For instance, it reacts with calcium carbonate (found in limestone and marble) to form soluble calcium bicarbonate, which is then transported by water. This process contributes to the formation of caves and karst landscapes. In biological systems, carbonic acid is involved in the transport of carbon dioxide in the blood. Enzymes like carbonic anhydrase facilitate the rapid conversion between carbon dioxide and bicarbonate, allowing for efficient gas exchange.