Karbonaattiin

Karbonaattiin is a Finnish-language term that translates to "carbonate" in English. In chemistry, a carbonate is a salt or ester of carbonic acid, a weak acid with the formula H2CO3. Carbonate ions have the chemical formula CO3^2-. They are polyatomic ions and are characterized by a central carbon atom bonded to three oxygen atoms, with an overall charge of negative two. This structure results from the carbon atom forming double bonds with one oxygen atom and single bonds with the other two, with the negative charges delocalized across the oxygen atoms.

Carbonates are very common in nature. The most well-known carbonate mineral is calcite, which is the primary component of limestone and marble. Other important carbonate minerals include aragonite, dolomite, and siderite. These minerals play crucial roles in geological processes, such as the formation of sedimentary rocks and the cycling of carbon in the Earth's crust. Many seashells and coral skeletons are also composed of calcium carbonate.

In various industrial applications, carbonates are essential. Sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash, is widely used in the manufacturing of glass, detergents, and chemicals. Calcium carbonate is used as a filler in plastics and paints, as a dietary supplement, and in antacids. The presence of carbonate ions in water can affect its hardness and pH.