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Acidic Salt

e.g., NaHSO₄; NaHCO₃; KH₂PO₄
Quick Reference
Formula / Notatione.g., NaHSO₄; NaHCO₃; KH₂PO₄
Also Known AsHydrogen salt; acid salt; bisalt; hydrogen-containing salt; partial salt

What is Acidic Salt?

An acidic salt is a salt formed by partial neutralisation of a polyprotic acid (an acid with more than one ionisable hydrogen) with a base. The salt still contains one or more replaceable hydrogen atoms and produces an acidic solution (pH < 7) when dissolved in water, because the hydrogen-containing anion can still donate a proton.

Formula & Notation

e.g., NaHSO₄; NaHCO₃; KH₂PO₄

Other Names / Synonyms: Hydrogen salt; acid salt; bisalt; hydrogen-containing salt; partial salt

Properties & Characteristics

Contains ionisable hydrogen in the anion; pH < 7 in solution; formed from partial neutralisation of diprotic or triprotic acids; examples: NaHSO₄ (sodium bisulfate), NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate), KH₂PO₄ (monopotassium phosphate)

Uses & Applications

Baking (NaHCO₃ as leavening agent); buffer solutions; food additives; fertilisers (KH₂PO₄); water treatment (NaHSO₄); cleaning products

Safety Information

Varies with specific salt — NaHSO₄ is corrosive and irritating; NaHCO₃ is safe. Always check the SDS for the specific acidic salt. Avoid inhalation of dust; wear gloves when handling concentrated solutions.

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

Key Facts

Term Acidic Salt
Formula e.g., NaHSO₄; NaHCO₃; KH₂PO₄
Synonyms Hydrogen salt; acid salt; bisalt; hydrogen-containing salt; partial salt

Frequently Asked Questions

An acidic salt is a salt formed by partial neutralisation of a polyprotic acid (an acid with more than one ionisable hydrogen) with a base. The salt still contains one or more replaceable hydrogen atoms and produces an acidic solution (pH < 7) when dissolved in water, because the hydrogen-containing anion can still donate a proton.

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