Ternary Acid
What is Ternary Acid?
A ternary acid (oxyacid) is an acid composed of three elements: hydrogen, oxygen, and a third element (usually a nonmetal such as sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, or chlorine). Examples include sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), nitric acid (HNO₃), phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), and perchloric acid (HClO₄). The acidity of ternary acids generally increases with the oxidation state and electronegativity of the central atom, as these factors weaken the O–H bond and facilitate proton donation.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
A ternary acid (oxyacid) is an acid composed of three elements: hydrogen, oxygen, and a third element (usually a nonmetal such as sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, or chlorine). Examples include sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), nitric acid (HNO₃), phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), and perchloric acid (HClO₄). The acidity of ternary acids generally increases with the oxidation state and electronegativity of the central atom, as these factors weaken the O–H bond and facilitate proton donation.