pHtól

pHtól is a term used in Hungarian-language scientific writing to denote the lower bound of a pH range or the starting pH in a protocol. The form is derived from pH and the Hungarian postposition -tól, meaning “from.” In standard orthography the term is usually written as pH-tól, with a hyphen; some texts may present it as pHtól without the hyphen.

Usage and meaning

pHtól functions as a relational indicator rather than a chemical quantity by itself. It specifies that a process, measurement, or condition applies from the stated pH upward to an upper limit provided elsewhere in the text. It is commonly used in methods, data tables, and descriptions of pH-dependent procedures to convey the starting point of the acceptable pH range.

Examples

In Hungarian texts one might encounter phrases such as “a mintavétel pHtól 5.5 kezdődik” (sampling begins from pH 5.5) or “a rendszer pH-tartománya pHtól 6.0–8.0” (the system’s pH range runs from 6.0 to 8.0). In English-language supplements or translations, this concept is usually rendered as “from pH 5.5” or “pH range: 5.5–8.0.”

Context and limitations

pHtól is mainly a language-specific shorthand used in Hungarian scientific literature. Outside Hungarian contexts, readers typically encounter explicit numerical ranges written directly as “from pH X to Y” or “pH range: X–Y.” Researchers should provide clear translations or equivalents when presenting Hungarian data to non-Hungarian audiences.

See also

pH, buffers, acid-base chemistry, pH range, experimental methods.