#H_2SO_4# is the formula for what common polyprotic acid?

1 Answer
anor277
Jun 9, 2016

#"Sulfuric acid"#

Explanation:

Both sulfuric acid, and its conjugate base, #HSO_4^-# are strong acids in water for which the equilibrium lies strongly on the right:

#H_2SO_4(aq) +2H_2O(l)rightleftharpoons2H_3O^+ +SO_4^(2-)#. Pure sulfuric acid is a water like solvent that undergoes the equilibium:

#2H_2SO_4(l) rightleftharpoons H_3SO_4^+ + HSO_4^-#.

In this solvent regime (which would require specialized equipment and water free conditions to study), the acid is #H_3SO_4^+#, and the base, bisulfate ion, #HSO_4^-#.

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