sulfaatidest

Sulfate is a polyatomic anion with the chemical formula SO2−4. It consists of a sulfur atom at the center, surrounded by four oxygen atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. The sulfate ion carries a net charge of -2. It is the conjugate base of the bisulfate ion (HSO−4), which in turn is the conjugate base of sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

Sulfates are common chemical compounds found throughout nature and in various industrial applications. They are salts derived from sulfuric acid. Many sulfate salts are soluble in water, such as sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4). However, some sulfates are relatively insoluble, like barium sulfate (BaSO4) and calcium sulfate (CaSO4).

In geology, sulfate minerals are abundant. Gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. Anhydrite (CaSO4) is the anhydrous form of calcium sulfate. Barite (BaSO4) is the most common sulfate mineral and is a major source of barium.

Sulfate plays a crucial role in biological systems. It is an essential nutrient for plants and is absorbed from the soil. In the human body, sulfate is involved in various metabolic processes, including detoxification and the synthesis of certain biomolecules.

Industrially, sulfates have numerous uses. Sulfuric acid, the parent compound of sulfates, is one of the most widely produced chemicals globally, used in fertilizer production, petroleum refining, wastewater processing, and chemical synthesis. Sodium sulfate is used in detergents, glass manufacturing, and the paper industry.