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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Binary Acids and Oxyacids?

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The main difference between binary acids and oxyacids lies in their composition:

  • Binary acids consist of hydrogen and one other element, which is usually a nonmetal. These acids have a hydrogen atom attached to the other nonmetal element. Some common binary acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hydrobromic acid (HBr).
  • Oxyacids consist of hydrogen, oxygen, and one other element, which is typically a nonmetal. In oxyacids, the proton being donated is attached to the oxygen atom. Examples of oxyacids include sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4).

Oxyacids tend to be stronger acids than binary acids due to the presence of more electronegative atoms, which can stabilize the molecule. In general, oxyacids have a more complex structure compared to binary acids, and their acidity can be determined by the electronegativity of the central atom and the number of oxygen atoms.

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  • What is the Difference Between Binary Acids and Oxyacids?
  • Comparative Table: Binary Acids vs Oxyacids

    • Comparative Table: Binary Acids vs Oxyacids

    Here is a table comparing binary acids and oxyacids:

    Feature Binary Acids Oxyacids
    Definition Binary acids are molecular compounds that release hydrogen ions and consist of hydrogen and one other element. Oxyacids are molecular compounds that release hydrogen ions and consist of hydrogen, oxygen, and one other element (usually a nonmetal).
    Naming Binary acids have names that begin with the prefix "hydro-", followed by the base name of the anion, and end with the suffix "ic". Oxyacids have names based on the anion attached to the hydrogen, with the root of the anion followed by the suffix "-ous" for oxyanions with "-ite" ending, and "-ic" for oxyanions with "-ate" ending.
    Formula Writing The formula for binary acids is based on the crisscross method, where the charge of the anion part of the formula must be balanced by the hydrogen ions. The formula for oxyacids is also based on the crisscross method, where the charge of the oxyanion part of the formula must be balanced by the hydrogen ions.

    Binary acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hydrobromic acid (HBr), are formed when a compound containing hydrogen as a cation is dissolved in water. On the other hand, oxyacids, such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4), are formed when compounds containing hydrogen, oxygen, and a nonmetal are dissolved in water.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.