Hydrogen sulfate facts for kids

Hydrogen sulfate, also known as bisulfate, is a tiny charged particle called an ion. Its chemical formula is HSO₄^-. Think of it as a building block that comes from sulfuric acid, which has the formula H₂SO₄.

What is Hydrogen Sulfate?

Hydrogen sulfate is an ion. This means it's an atom or group of atoms that has an electric charge. The hydrogen sulfate ion has a negative charge. It is formed when sulfuric acid loses one of its hydrogen atoms.

How it's Formed

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a strong acid. When it gives up one of its hydrogen atoms, it becomes the hydrogen sulfate ion (HSO₄^-). This process is called deprotonation. If sulfuric acid loses both of its hydrogen atoms, it forms a sulfate ion (SO₄^2-).

Where You Find It

Chemical compounds that contain this ion are often called bisulfates or hydrogen sulfates. A common example is sodium bisulfate. These compounds are usually acidic. They can be used as a milder form of acid compared to pure sulfuric acid. You can think of them as a type of salt that comes from sulfuric acid.

This image shows the structure of the hydrogen sulfate ion.

Related pages

• Sulfur
• Sulfite
• Sulfurous acid

Images for kids

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  Drops of concentrated sulfuric acid can break down a cotton towel.

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  The structure of the [D3SO4]+ ion.

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  The Rio Tinto is a river with very acidic water.

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  How much sulfuric acid was made in the year 2000.

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  Drain cleaners with sulfuric acid can turn pH paper red and burn it.

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  An acidic drain cleaner can help dissolve things like grease and hair in pipes.

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  John Dalton's drawing from 1808 showing a sulfuric acid molecule.

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  Drops of sulfuric acid can quickly burn tissue paper, leaving black carbon behind.