Oxoacid — Definition, Formula, Properties & Uses | AllChemicals | AllChemicals

Q: What is the formula for Oxoacid?

The formula or notation for Oxoacid is: HNO₃, H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄, HClO₄

Formula / Notation	HNO₃, H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄, HClO₄
Also Known As	Oxyacid, oxoacid, oxygen-containing acid, oxonium acid (loosely)

What is Oxoacid?

An acid containing oxygen, hydrogen, and another element, in which the acidic hydrogen atoms are attached to oxygen atoms. Examples include sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), nitric acid (HNO₃), and phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄). Most common inorganic acids are oxoacids.

Formula & Notation

HNO₃, H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄, HClO₄

Other Names / Synonyms: Oxyacid, oxoacid, oxygen-containing acid, oxonium acid (loosely)

Properties & Characteristics

An oxoacid (oxyacid) is an acid in which the ionisable hydrogen atom(s) are bonded to oxygen, which is in turn bonded to another element (the central element). General structure: Hₙ(XO_m). Acid strength increases with: increasing electronegativity of X, increasing number of oxygen atoms (more oxygens → more inductive electron withdrawal → weaker O-H bond → stronger acid). HClO₄ (perchloric) > HClO₃ (chloric) > HClO₂ (chlorous) > HClO (hypochlorous).

Uses & Applications

Oxoacids are among the most important industrial chemicals: H₂SO₄ (manufactured by the Contact process, highest production volume acid), HNO₃ (from Ostwald process, for fertilisers and explosives), H₃PO₄ (for fertilisers), HClO₄ (rocket propellant oxidiser), HClO (bleach component). They are also key laboratory reagents in analytical and synthetic chemistry.

Safety Information

All strong oxoacids are severely corrosive. HNO₃ is also an oxidising agent — contact with organics can be explosive. HClO₄ is an extremely powerful oxidising acid that explodes on contact with organics when concentrated and warm. HF (not an oxoacid but a binary acid) is listed here as a comparison: oxoacids of halogens are all hazardous oxidising corrosives.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Oxoacid

Formula HNO₃, H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄, HClO₄

Index All "O" terms

Synonyms Oxyacid, oxoacid, oxygen-containing acid, oxonium acid (loosely)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oxoacid?

An acid containing oxygen, hydrogen, and another element, in which the acidic hydrogen atoms are attached to oxygen atoms. Examples include sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), nitric acid (HNO₃), and phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄). Most common inorganic acids are oxoacids.

What is Oxoacid used for?

Is Oxoacid hazardous?

What is the formula for Oxoacid?

More "O" Terms

Octahedral ML₆ Octane Number Octet Rule Octet Rule Oganesson Og Oil Open Sextet Open System Optical Activity Optical Isomers Optical Isomers Orbital ψ(r,θ,φ): quantum wavefunction squared gives probability density

View all "O" terms →