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Sulfate: meaning, definitions and examples

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sulfate

 

[ˈsʌlfeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

chemical compound

A salt or ester of sulfuric acid, containing the anion SO4(2-). Sulfates are widely used in industry, particularly in the production of fertilizers, detergents, and dyes.

Synonyms

sulfide, sulfite, sulfuric acid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sulfate

Used in chemistry and industry to refer to salts or esters of sulfuric acid containing the sulfate ion (SO4). Widely encountered in cleaning agents, fertilizers, and cosmetics.

  • Magnesium sulfate is commonly known as Epsom salt.
  • Sulfates are used in shampoos to create a lather.
sulfide

Used in chemistry and industry to refer to compounds containing sulfur in the -2 oxidation state, usually with metals. Sulfides can often create foul smells, hence having negative connotations.

  • Hydrogen sulfide is the gas that smells like rotten eggs.
  • Metal sulfides are often used in the mining industry.
sulfite

Used in food and winemaking to refer to a salt or ester of sulfurous acid containing the sulfite ion (SO3). Sulfites are often employed as preservatives.

  • Sulfites are added to wine to preserve its freshness.
  • Some people are allergic to sulfites in processed foods.
sulfuric acid

Refers to a strong mineral acid with the molecular formula H2SO4. Used in a wide range of industrial processes including battery acid, fertilizer manufacture, and chemical synthesis.

  • Sulfuric acid is a key ingredient in car batteries.
  • Laboratories use sulfuric acid for various chemical reactions.

Examples of usage

  • Sulfates are commonly found in minerals such as gypsum and barite.
  • The sulfate ion has a negative charge of 2-.
Context #2 | Verb

chemistry

To treat or combine with sulfuric acid or a sulfate.

Synonyms

chemically treat, combine with sulfate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sulfate

Use as a verb when referring to the action of treating a substance with sulfuric acid or a sulfate compound. It might have a technical, specialized application, especially in industry or science.

  • The soil was sulfated to improve its acidity.
  • Batteries need to be carefully handled to prevent sulfur from sulfating the electrodes.
chemically treat

Utilize this term when describing the process of applying chemicals to a material, substance, or environment in order to achieve a specific effect. This can include purification, preservation, or enhancement.

  • The wastewater is chemically treated to remove harmful contaminants.
  • Timber is chemically treated to prevent decay and insect damage.
combine with sulfate

Employ this phrase when specifically talking about the process of mixing or reacting a substance with sulfate ions or compounds to form a new product. This is more precise than just saying 'sulfate'.

  • The mineral is combined with sulfate during the extraction process.
  • Iron can react with sulfuric acid to combine with sulfate and form iron sulfate.

Examples of usage

  • The metal was sulfated to increase its corrosion resistance.
  • She sulfated the compound to improve its solubility.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'sulfate' comes from the Latin word 'sulfur,' alongside the Greek word 'sulfure,' which means sulfur.
  • The '-ate' suffix indicates that it is a compound with oxygen, commonly found in many salts and minerals.
  • Usage of the term dates back to the early 19th century as chemistry developed as a science.

Science

  • Sulfates are commonly found in nature, notably in minerals like barite and gypsum, which are used in construction and agriculture.
  • In the environment, sulfate can come from both natural sources, like volcanic eruptions, and human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels.
  • Sulfates play an important role in the water cycle, influencing both the acidity and composition of rainwater.

Health and Medicine

  • Certain sulfates, like magnesium sulfate, are used in medicine to treat conditions such as magnesium deficiency.
  • Sulfate ions can interact with proteins in the body, influencing various biological processes, including detoxification.
  • Some people may have sensitivity to sulfates in food or products, which has led to dietary considerations regarding sulfite preservatives.

Industries

  • The sulfate industry is significant in agriculture, as sulfates are essential for creating fertilizers that support plant growth.
  • In the cosmetics industry, sulfates are frequently used as cleansing agents, particularly in shampoos and body washes, due to their ability to produce foam.
  • Certain sulfates are employed in the manufacturing of batteries, offering vital components in energy storage technology.

Environment

  • High sulfate levels in water bodies can lead to harmful algal blooms, adversely affecting aquatic life and ecosystem health.
  • Sulfates can also contribute to the phenomenon of acid rain, impacting soil quality and plant life.
  • Studies suggest that sulfate aerosols can affect climate by reflecting sunlight, thereby playing a role in cooling the Earth’s surface.

Translations

Translations of the word "sulfate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sulfato

🇮🇳 सल्फेट

🇩🇪 Sulfat

🇮🇩 sulfat

🇺🇦 сульфат

🇵🇱 siarczan

🇯🇵 硫酸塩 (りゅうさんえん)

🇫🇷 sulfate

🇪🇸 sulfato

🇹🇷 sülfat

🇰🇷 황산염 (hwangsanyeom)

🇸🇦 كبريتات (kabritat)

🇨🇿 síran

🇸🇰 síran

🇨🇳 硫酸盐 (liúsuānyán)

🇸🇮 sulfat

🇮🇸 súlfat

🇰🇿 сульфат

🇬🇪 სულფატი (sulfati)

🇦🇿 sulfat

🇲🇽 sulfato