Sodium bisulfate
Sodium bisulfate, also called sodium hydrogen sulfate, is an acidic sodium salt of sulfuric acid with formula NaHSO₄.
Hydrogen sulfate ion: The polyatomic ion HSO₄⁻, formed when sulfuric acid loses one proton. This ion is the anion in sodium bisulfate and can donate another proton in water.
Swimming pool pH control: Chemical adjustment of pool-water acidity and alkalinity to maintain suitable operating conditions. Dry sodium bisulfate is commonly added to lower pool-water pH.
Sodium ion: The positively charged monatomic ion Na⁺, formed when a sodium atom loses one electron. It balances the single negative charge of hydrogen sulfate in the salt.
Sodium bisulfite: A sodium salt containing the hydrogen sulfite ion, HSO₃⁻, with formula NaHSO₃. Its similar name masks different sulfur chemistry and uses; it is not sodium bisulfate.
Acid–base reaction: A chemical reaction involving proton transfer or, more broadly, electron-pair donation and acceptance. Hydrogen sulfate makes solutions acidic by transferring protons to water or other bases.
Metal pickling: A surface-treatment process that removes oxide scale and contaminants from metal using acidic solutions. Sodium bisulfate can supply acidity in formulations used to clean metal surfaces.
Sulfate: The polyatomic ion SO₄²⁻, consisting of one sulfur atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. Hydrogen sulfate derives from sulfate by retaining one acidic hydrogen.
Sodium bicarbonate: A sodium salt of bicarbonate, NaHCO₃, commonly known as baking soda. It is a mildly basic sodium salt often used to raise pH, unlike acidic sodium bisulfate.
Sulfuric acid: A strong diprotic mineral acid with formula H₂SO₄. Sodium bisulfate is produced by partially neutralizing this acid with a sodium base.
Descaling: Removal of mineral deposits, especially carbonate scale, from surfaces or equipment. Its acidic solutions dissolve carbonate deposits in some cleaning applications.