Salts
Salts are ionic compounds that result from the neutralization reaction of an acid and a base. They are composed of related numbers of cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negative ions) so that the product is electrically neutral (without a net charge). These component ions can be inorganic, such as chloride (Cl−), or organic, such as acetate (CH3COO−); and can be monatomic, such as fluoride (F−), or polyatomic, such as sulfate (SO42−).
Types of Salts[edit | edit source]
There are several varieties of salts, and in this section, we will discuss four major types of salts: Acid Salts, Basic Salts, Neutral Salts, and Mixed Salts.
Acid Salts[edit | edit source]
An acid salt is a salt that has one or more H+ ions attached to it. They are formed by partial neutralization of polybasic acids.
Basic Salts[edit | edit source]
A basic salt contains a hydroxide ion. They are formed by partial neutralization of a base.
Neutral Salts[edit | edit source]
A neutral salt is a salt that neither has H+ ions nor OH- ions. They are formed by complete neutralization of an acid by a base.
Mixed Salts[edit | edit source]
A mixed salt is a salt that contains more than one basic or acid radical. They are formed by neutralization of an acid by a base.
Properties of Salts[edit | edit source]
Salts have a number of unique properties. Some of the most common properties of salts include:
- Salts are usually solid and crystalline at room temperature.
- Salts have high melting and boiling points.
- Salts are usually soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents.
- Salts conduct electricity in molten state or in an aqueous solution.
Uses of Salts[edit | edit source]
Salts have a wide range of uses in various industries. Some of the most common uses of salts include:
- In food: Salts are used for seasoning and preservation.
- In medicine: Salts are used in the production of various medicines.
- In agriculture: Salts are used as fertilizers.
- In industry: Salts are used in the production of various chemicals.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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