key term - $SO_4^{2-}$

Definition

$SO_4^{2-}$ is the sulfate ion, a polyatomic anion consisting of one sulfur atom covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms. It is an important compound in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and properties of sulfur as described in Section 18.10 of the chemistry curriculum. The sulfate ion is a key component in many sulfur-containing compounds and plays a crucial role in various chemical and biological processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sulfate ion, $SO_4^{2-}$, is a common polyatomic ion found in many naturally occurring and synthetic compounds.
2. Sulfates are important in the production of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial chemicals.
3. Gypsum ($CaSO_4 \cdot 2H_2O$) is a naturally occurring sulfate mineral that is used in construction materials like drywall.
4. Sulfates can be produced industrially through the oxidation of sulfur or the neutralization of sulfuric acid.
5. The sulfate ion is an important component in the sulfur cycle, which involves the transformation of sulfur between various oxidation states in the environment.

Review Questions

• Describe the structure and bonding of the sulfate ion, $SO_4^{2-}$.
  • The sulfate ion, $SO_4^{2-}$, has a central sulfur atom covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. The sulfur atom has an oxidation state of +6, and the overall charge of the ion is -2 due to the four oxygen atoms, each contributing -2 charge. This structure and bonding pattern gives the sulfate ion its unique chemical properties and reactivity.
• Explain the importance of sulfates in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and properties of sulfur.
  • Sulfates are crucial in the sulfur cycle, as they represent one of the common oxidation states of sulfur in the environment. The occurrence of sulfate minerals, such as gypsum and barite, is an important aspect of the natural distribution and availability of sulfur. Additionally, the industrial preparation of sulfuric acid and subsequent production of sulfate salts are key processes in the utilization of sulfur for various applications, including fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. The properties of sulfates, such as their solubility, acidity, and reactivity, also contribute to their importance in the chemistry of sulfur.
• Analyze the role of the sulfate ion in the broader context of sulfur's significance in chemical and biological systems.
  • The sulfate ion, $SO_4^{2-}$, is a crucial component in the sulfur cycle, which involves the transformation of sulfur between various oxidation states in the environment. This cycle is essential for the availability and cycling of sulfur, an element that is vital for many biological processes, such as the formation of amino acids, proteins, and enzymes. Furthermore, the sulfate ion is involved in the production of important industrial and agricultural chemicals, like sulfuric acid and fertilizers, which highlights the broader significance of sulfur and its compounds in both chemical and biological systems. Understanding the properties and reactivity of the sulfate ion is, therefore, crucial for comprehending the overall importance of sulfur in the context of chemistry and its applications.

Related terms

Sulfur:

Sulfur is a naturally occurring element with the atomic symbol S. It is an essential mineral found in the earth's crust and is involved in many important chemical reactions and biological processes.

Sulfuric Acid ($H_2SO_4$): Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive and versatile chemical compound that is produced on a large scale industrially. It is a key precursor in the manufacture of many other chemicals and materials.

Sulfate Salts: Sulfate salts are ionic compounds containing the $SO_4^{2-}$ ion paired with a positive ion, such as sodium sulfate ($Na_2SO_4$) or calcium sulfate ($CaSO_4$).