The word "persulphate" is spelled with a "p-e-r" prefix and "s-u-l-p-h-a-t-e" main root. The "p" is pronounced with a voiceless bilabial stop /p/ followed by the "e" sound as in "bet". The "s" is pronounced with a voiceless alveolar fricative /s/ followed by the "u" sound as in "put", the "l" sound as in "lid", and the "ph" is pronounced as a voiceless labiodental fricative /f/. The "a" in "ate" is pronounced as a neutral vowel schwa /ə/.
Persulphate is a chemical compound that refers to a type of compound containing the persulphate ion or the persulphate radical. It is an ionic species that consists of two oxygen atoms bonded together and each one bonded to four sulphur atoms. The persulphate ion has a negative charge of 2-, expressed as S2O8^(2-).
Persulphates are highly oxidizing compounds that have various applications in industries such as cosmetics, electronics, and chemical manufacturing. They are commonly used as powerful oxidizing agents, able to promote chemical reactions by transferring oxygen atoms, accepting electrons, and causing other substances to undergo reduction. Persulphates are characterized by their ability to break down and release oxygen, providing reactive species that enable the oxidation of various organic and inorganic compounds.
One of the widely utilized persulphates is ammonium persulphate, with the chemical formula (NH4)2S2O8. It is a white, crystalline powder, readily soluble in water. Ammonium persulphate is commonly employed as an oxidizing agent in hair bleaching agents, polymerization reactions, etching printed circuit boards, and removing resin residues.
Another notable persulphate is potassium persulphate (K2S2O8). It is also a white, crystalline powder, highly soluble in water. Potassium persulphate is extensively employed as an oxidizer in hair bleaching agents, catalysts in polymerization reactions, and as a cleaning agent in the cosmetics industry.
In summary, persulphate refers to a class of chemical compounds characterized by the presence of the persulphate ion. These compounds possess strong oxidizing properties and find diverse applications across various industries.
That one of a series of sulphates which contains more molecules of sulphuric acid than the others.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A sulphate of the peroxide of any base.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "persulphate" is derived from the combination of two components: "per-" and "sulphate".
The prefix "per-" in chemistry often signifies a higher oxidation state or higher concentration. It comes from the Latin word "per", meaning "thoroughly" or "completely".
"Sulphate", on the other hand, originates from the Latin word "sulphur", meaning "sulfur". In chemistry, "sulphate" refers to a compound that contains the sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻).
Therefore, "persulphate" suggests a compound that contains a higher concentration or higher oxidation state of sulfate ions, compared to the usual or standard sulfate compounds.