Sulfate
Sulfate is the
IUPAC name for the SO
42- ion, consisting of a central
sulfur atom single
bonded to four
tetrahedrally oriented
oxygen atoms. This
anion has a net negative two
electric charge.
Almost all ionic compoundss with sulfate anions are soluble in water at standard temperature and pressure (the exceptions include CaSO4, SrSO4, and BaSO4).
The acid of the sulfate ion is H2SO4, called sulfuric acid.
Sulfates are important in both chemical industry and biological systems:
- Lead batteries typically use sulfuric acid.
- Organisms living near deep sea thermal vents depend on sulfates for energy in lieu of the sun.
- Copper sulfate is a common algaecide.
- Magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom salts, is used as a therapeutic bath.