Why is Hydrogen Sulphate HSO4 Not H2SO4
1 answer
Hydrogen sulfate (HSO4^-) is actually an ion that is derived from sulfuric acid (H2SO4) through the loss of one hydrogen ion (H+). In sulfuric acid, there are two hydrogen ions, which are in a position to be dissociated, that is, to lose their positive charge and become free H+ ions. When one hydrogen ion is removed from H2SO4, the remaining molecule, HSO4^-, is referred to as bisulfate or hydrogen sulfate. This process happens in water when sulfuric acid is dissolved in it. Therefore, HSO4^- is a conjugate base of H2SO4 and it is formed by the dissociation of H2SO4 in water.