POTASSIUM TETRATHIONATE Meaning and
Definition
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Potassium tetrathionate is an inorganic compound and potassium salt containing the tetrathionate anion. Its chemical formula is K2S4O6, indicating that it consists of two potassium (K) ions bonded to a tetrathionate (S4O6) anion. It is formed as a result of the reaction between potassium hydroxide (KOH) and tetrathionic acid (H2S4O6).
Potassium tetrathionate is a white crystalline solid that is sparingly soluble in water. It has a molecular weight of approximately 311.37 g/mol. This compound possesses a tetrahedral structure, with the central sulfur atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. The presence of four sulfur atoms and six oxygen atoms in the tetrathionate anion leads to its name.
Potassium tetrathionate has a few applications in various industries. It can be used as an oxidizing agent, particularly in organic synthesis reactions as it can transfer oxygen atoms. Additionally, it has been utilized in analytical chemistry as a reagent for the determination of certain elements such as mercury and iodine.
As with any chemical compound, it is essential to handle potassium tetrathionate with caution. Direct exposure to the compound may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, and it is advisable to use appropriate protective equipment.
Common Misspellings for POTASSIUM TETRATHIONATE
- ootassium tetrathionate
- lotassium tetrathionate
- -otassium tetrathionate
- 0otassium tetrathionate
- pitassium tetrathionate
- pktassium tetrathionate
- pltassium tetrathionate
- pptassium tetrathionate
- p0tassium tetrathionate
- p9tassium tetrathionate
- porassium tetrathionate
- pofassium tetrathionate
- pogassium tetrathionate
- poyassium tetrathionate
- po6assium tetrathionate
- po5assium tetrathionate
- potzssium tetrathionate
- potsssium tetrathionate
- potwssium tetrathionate
- potqssium tetrathionate
Etymology of POTASSIUM TETRATHIONATE
The word "potassium" originates from the English "potash" and the Arabic word "qali" meaning ashes. "Potash" is derived from the Old Dutch word "potaschen", which means pot ashes. This term refers to the process of extracting potassium carbonate from the ashes of burnt wood.
"Tetrathionate" is a chemical compound composed of two parts: "tetra-" meaning four, and "thionate" referring to the sulfur anion. The root "thion" comes from the Greek word "theion" meaning sulfur.
Therefore, "potassium tetrathionate" simply describes a compound made up of potassium and the tetrathionate anion. The etymology lies within the historical origins of the terms "potash" and "thionate" rather than the combination of the two words itself.
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