SUPERACID Meaning and
Definition
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A superacid is a type of extremely strong acid that possesses a higher acidity than conventional mineral acids like sulfuric acid. It is characterized by its ability to donate protons (H+) in a high concentration, resulting in its exceptional acidity. While conventional acids dissociate partially in water, superacids have the ability to dissociate almost completely, releasing an abundance of H+ ions.
Superacids are typically prepared by adding a strong Lewis acid, such as antimony pentafluoride (SbF5) or sulfur trioxide (SO3), to a strong Brønsted acid. This combination leads to the formation of a powerful acid capable of dissolving or protonating even the most unreactive compounds. The acidity of superacids is often measured using the Hammett acidity function, which compares their power to that of sulfuric acid, the standard reference.
Superacids find applications in various chemical reactions and catalytic processes. Their strong acidic nature makes them useful in initiating or accelerating chemical transformations that are otherwise not easily achievable. They allow for the synthesis of complex and unstable molecules in organic chemistry, as well as the conversion of industrial waste into useful products. Superacids are utilized in oil refining, polymer synthesis, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, among other fields.
Due to their extreme acidity, superacids must be handled with great care as they can cause severe burns and damage to organic materials. Special precautions are necessary when working with these potent chemicals to ensure the safety of laboratory or industrial personnel.
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Overacid, more than normally acid.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SUPERACID
- auperacid
- zuperacid
- xuperacid
- duperacid
- euperacid
- wuperacid
- syperacid
- shperacid
- sjperacid
- siperacid
- s8peracid
- s7peracid
- suoeracid
- suleracid
- su-eracid
- su0eracid
- supwracid
- supsracid
- supdracid
- suprracid
Etymology of SUPERACID
The word "superacid" is a compound term comprising two parts: "super-" and "acid".
The prefix "super-" is derived from the Latin word "super", meaning "above, over, on top of". In English, "super-" is used to intensify or emphasize the quality or degree of something. For example, "superhuman" means having extraordinary or superior human qualities.
The term "acid" comes from the Latin word "acidus", which means "sour". In chemistry, an acid is a substance that donates protons (H+) or accepts electrons during a chemical reaction. Acids typically have a sour taste and can corrode materials.
Combining these two elements, "superacid" represents a substance that possesses acidic properties to an extreme or exceptional degree. It refers to an acid that is stronger, more potent, or more corrosive than regular or conventional acids.
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