Amineral acid (orinorganic acid) is anacid derived from one or moreinorganic compounds, as opposed toorganic acids which are acidic, organic compounds. All mineral acids formhydrogen ions and the conjugate base when dissolved in water.
Commonly used mineral acids aresulfuric acid (H2SO4),hydrochloric acid (HCl) andnitric acid (HNO3); these are also known as bench acids.[1] Mineral acids range fromsuperacids (such asperchloric acid) to very weak ones (such asboric acid). Mineral acids tend to be very soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents.
Mineral acids are used in many sectors of the chemical industry as feedstocks for the synthesis of other chemicals, both organic and inorganic. Large quantities of these acids – especially sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid – are manufactured for commercial use in large plants.
Mineral acids are also used directly for their corrosive properties. For example, a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid is used for removing the deposits from the inside of boilers, with precautions taken to prevent the corrosion of the boiler by the acid. This process is known as descaling.[citation needed]
