Sulfate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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?

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.

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'sulfate'

Main points about word origin

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.

The term 'sulfate' originates from the Latin word 'sulfur' meaning sulfur. The concept of sulfates has been known since ancient times, with the use of sulfuric acid dating back to the 8th century. Sulfates have played a crucial role in various industries and continue to be an essential component in chemical processes.