Inorganic acid

Description

A broad class of mineral acids that include sulfuric, nitric, hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, and phosphoric acids. Inorganic acids change the color of blue litmus paper to red, dissolve many metals, and react violently with bases to form salts. They are stronger proton donors than organic acids, and have detrimental effects on materials, such as paper, leather, metals, and photographs.

Synonyms and Related Terms

mineral acid

Risks

• Most inorganic acids react violently with bases.
• The dilution of strong acids with water can also be violent and should be avoided. Instead pour the acid into water (A to W) to prepare solutions.