SODIUM PERSULFATE Meaning and
Definition
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Sodium persulfate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na2S2O8. It is a white, crystalline salt that is highly soluble in water. Sodium persulfate is commonly used as an oxidizing agent, meaning it facilitates chemical reactions by accepting electrons from other substances. It has a wide range of applications in various industries.
In chemical processes, sodium persulfate acts as a powerful initiator for polymerization reactions, such as in the production of plastics, rubbers, and adhesives. It is also utilized in the electronics industry for etching printed circuit boards and cleaning metal surfaces. Sodium persulfate is an effective oxidant in hair products, such as hair bleaches and dyes, as it helps in breaking down melanin molecules.
Furthermore, sodium persulfate finds application in environmental remediation processes. Its strong oxidizing properties make it ideal for treating soil and groundwater contaminated with organic compounds, such as petroleum hydrocarbons. It effectively decomposes these pollutants into less harmful substances.
Safety precautions are necessary when handling sodium persulfate, as it is a strong irritant and can cause skin burns or eye damage. It is important to follow appropriate protective measures and use it under controlled conditions.
In summary, sodium persulfate is a versatile inorganic compound that serves as a potent oxidizing agent. Its applications range from industrial polymerization reactions to electronics manufacturing and environmental remediation processes.
Etymology of SODIUM PERSULFATE
The word "sodium" in sodium persulfate refers to the chemical element sodium, which is derived from the Latin word "sodium" and the French word "soude".
"Persulfate" is a compound word that combines the prefix "per-", meaning "through" or "thoroughly", and "sulfate", which is derived from the Latin word "sulfur" for "sulfur" or "brimstone". The term "sulfate" generally refers to a compound containing the sulfate ion (SO4²⁻).
Therefore, "sodium persulfate" can be understood as a compound containing the sodium ion (Na⁺) combined with the persulfate ion (SO5²⁻), indicating an oxygen-sulfur-oxygen-oxygen bond.
