Acids

Acids, also called acids (commonly referred to as HA), are chemical compounds whose aqueous solutions have a pH lower than 7.0. This definition is an approximation of the modern Brønsted-Lowry concept, which defines an acid as a substance that can provide a hydrogen cation (H+) to another substance, which we call a base. There are different theories defining the terms acid and base, such as Arrhenius theory, Brønsted theory and Lewis theory.

 

Acids can be classified into two main groups: inorganic acids and organic acids. Inorganic acids are compounds that contain oxygen (for example, sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid), while organic acids are compounds that contain carbon (for example, formic acid and butyric acid).

Aqueous solutions of acids have a sour taste and can change the color of some organic dyes. The carrier of acidic properties is the hydrogen cation (H+), which reacts with the dyes present and causes changes in their molecules and color changes. These color changes may indicate the presence of acid. Acid-base indicators are organic dyes that are used to detect acids and bases.

Acids have important uses in various industries such as the chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics and others. In addition, they play an important role in chemical analysis, research and in the production of other chemical compounds. Their properties and use depend on their composition and structure.

 

Acids occur in several forms and can have different chemical properties and uses. Some examples of acids are:

Sulfuric acid (H2SO4): A strong acid used in industry to make chemicals and fertilizers.
Hydrochloric acid (HCl): An acid containing chlorine that is used in the chemical industry and laboratories.
Acetic acid (CH3COOH): Acid present in wine and vinegar solutions, also used in the food industry.
Citric acid (C6H8O7): Acid of natural origin found, for example, in citrus fruits, used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Acids have important uses in various industries, such as the chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics and others. In addition, acids play an important role in chemical analysis, research, and the production of other chemical compounds.