How Do You Spell PERSULFATE?

1. Persulfate is a term used to describe a chemical compound containing the persulfate anion, which is derived from the oxidation of sulfate. It is typically represented as (SO4)2-, indicating a combination of two sulfate ions. This anion possesses a higher oxidation state compared to the sulfate ion, enabling it to exhibit strong oxidizing properties.

   Persulfates are often prepared by electrolysis or through the reaction of sulfate salts with powerful oxidizers such as hydrogen peroxide or perchloric acid. They are commonly encountered in the form of alkali metal or ammonium salts, such as sodium persulfate (Na2S2O8) or ammonium persulfate [(NH4)2S2O8].

   Due to its strong oxidizing nature, persulfate finds application in various fields such as water treatment, as it efficiently removes or degrades contaminants like organic pollutants or excess chlorine. Furthermore, it is extensively used as a component in hair bleach and hair dye formulations, where it aids in the bleaching or oxidation of natural pigments found in the hair.

   In addition to these applications, persulfate is employed as an initiator or catalyst in numerous chemical reactions, including polymerization processes and the synthesis of organic compounds. It is prized for its ability to initiate free radicals and promote controlled reactions, resulting in the production of desired products.

   Overall, persulfate refers to a class of chemical compounds with powerful oxidizing properties, which find applications in water treatment, hair care products, and various chemical reactions.

Common Misspellings for PERSULFATE

The word "persulfate" is derived from the combination of two parts: "per-" and "sulfate".

The prefix "per-" in English is derived from the Latin word "per", meaning "through" or "thoroughly". It is often used in chemistry to denote a higher oxidation state than the usual state of an element or compound. In this case, "per-" indicates a higher oxidation state of sulfate.

The term "sulfate" comes from the Latin word "sulfur", meaning "sulfur" or "brimstone". It refers to a compound containing the sulfate ion (SO42-), consisting of a central sulfur atom bonded to four oxygen atoms.

Therefore, "persulfate" denotes a sulfate compound in which the sulfur atom has a higher oxidation state than usual, indicating a more extensive oxidation of the sulfur element in the compound.

Plural form of PERSULFATE is PERSULFATES