Persulfuric

Persulfuric is a term that generally refers to compounds containing the persulfate ion, [S₂O₈]²⁻. This ion is characterized by a sulfur-sulfur single bond, which is a relatively weak and reactive linkage. The persulfate ion is a powerful oxidizing agent, making it useful in various industrial and laboratory applications.

The most common persulfuric acid is peroxy monosulfuric acid, also known as Caro's acid, with the chemical formula H₂SO₅. This acid contains a peroxy group (-O-O-) linking a sulfur atom to an oxygen atom, in addition to the typical sulfate structure. Caro's acid is a strong oxidizing agent and is used in chemical synthesis and as a bleaching agent.

Another related compound is peroxydisulfuric acid, H₂S₂O₈, which can be considered the parent acid of the persulfate ion. It is a highly corrosive and unstable substance. The salts of persulfuric acids, particularly ammonium persulfate, potassium persulfate, and sodium persulfate, are more commonly encountered and utilized due to their greater stability and ease of handling. These persulfate salts are widely employed as initiators for polymerization reactions, particularly in the production of plastics like polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride. They also find use in etching, cleaning, and in the textile and paper industries for bleaching. The reactivity of persulfates stems from their ability to generate sulfate radicals, which are highly reactive species that can initiate chemical transformations.