Sulfaattisuolat

Sulfaattisuolat are inorganic compounds that contain the sulfate ion, SO₄²⁻. This ion consists of a sulfur atom covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms, with an overall charge of -2. Sulfate salts are formed when sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) reacts with a base or metal oxide. They are a common class of chemical compounds found in nature and used in various industrial applications.

Naturally occurring sulfaattisuolat include minerals like gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate, CaSO₄·2H₂O) and barite (barium sulfate, BaSO₄). These minerals are important in geology and mining. Many sulfaattisuolat are soluble in water, although some, such as barium sulfate and lead sulfate, are practically insoluble. The solubility of these salts can vary significantly depending on the cation.

In industry, sulfaattisuolat have a wide range of uses. For example, sodium sulfate is used in the manufacture of detergents and paper. Copper sulfate is used as a fungicide and algaecide. Magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom salt, is used in agriculture and medicine. Aluminum sulfate is employed in water purification and papermaking. The properties of sulfaattisuolat, such as their solubility, stability, and reactivity, dictate their specific applications.