suurisuuren

Strong acids, known in Finnish as suurisuuren, are acids that dissociate almost completely into hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. Their dissociation constants (Ka) are so large that the concentration of undissociated acid in solution is negligible, and they are usually characterized by very low pKa values (often below –1). Because of this complete ionization, strong acids produce higher conductivity in aqueous solutions than their weak counterparts.

Common examples of strong acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), nitric acid (HNO3), hydroiodic acid (HI), and perchloric acid (HClO4). Hydrochloric and sulfuric acids are widely used industrially. Sulfuric acid, in particular, is the most produced chemical worldwide and is essential in manufacturing fertilizers, refining petroleum, and producing detergents. Hydrochloric acid is used in acid pickling of steel, pH adjustment, and in the production of organic compounds. Nitric acid serves as a key component in nitration reactions and in the manufacturing of explosives. Perchloric acid, though less common, is employed in high-energy saltpeter batteries and in laboratory instrumentation.

Strong acids are highly corrosive and can cause severe burns to skin and eye tissues; they also produce hazardous fumes. Because their high reactivity toward metal catalysts can release dangerous gases, precautions in handling and storage include exclusion of metal containers, use of acid-resistant gloves, and proper ventilation. Disposal of strong acids must follow local regulations, typically by neutralization with a suitable base, after which the resulting salt solution can be safely discharged in accordance with environmental safety guidelines.