süsinikhapnikhüdroksüül

Süsinikhapnikhüdroksüül, more commonly known as carbonic acid, is a diprotic weak acid with the chemical formula H2CO3. It is formed when carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water. This process is crucial in many natural systems, including the oceans and the Earth's atmosphere. The reaction is reversible, with carbon dioxide and water forming carbonic acid, and carbonic acid dissociating into bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+), or further into carbonate ions (CO32-) and more hydrogen ions.

Carbonic acid plays a significant role in regulating the pH of blood and is involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks like limestone. The acidity of carbonated beverages is also due to the presence of carbonic acid. In aqueous solutions, carbonic acid exists in equilibrium with dissolved carbon dioxide. Its presence is essential for various biochemical processes and geological formations. The stability of carbonic acid in water is relatively low, readily decomposing back into carbon dioxide and water, especially when the pressure of dissolved carbon dioxide is reduced.