Lecture - 01

Acid: Acid is a class of chemical compound which dissolves in water to produce hydrogen ions (H+).

Classification of acids: Acids can be classified in different ways – Depending on their -

a. Sources b. Strength c. Concentration

a. Types of acids on the basis of sources: Inorganic and organic acids

1. Inorganic acid or mineral acid: The acid that is obtained from minerals (e.g. water, soil, air etc) is
called an inorganic acid or mineral acid.
Properties of mineral acids:
 generally much stronger
 most do not occur naturally
 usually have simpler molecules
Name of acid Formula Strength
Sulfuric acid H2SO4
Hydrochloric acid HCl Strong
Nitric acid HNO3
Sulfurous acid H2SO3
Phosphoric acid H3PO4 Moderate strong
Phosphorous acid H3PO3
Carbonic acid H2CO3 Weak acid

2. Organic acid: The acid that is derived from living sources (e.g. plants and animals) is called an
organic acid. Organic acids belongs to the homologous series fatty acids and general formula of this
homologous series is CnH2n+1COOH or R-COOH.

Properties of organic acids:

 naturally occurring
 found in vegetables, fruit and other foodstuffs
 usually weaker and less corrosive
Organic acid Formula Where it is found
Lactic acid CH3-CH(OH)-COOH or C3H6O3 Sour milk

Oxalic acid (COOH)2 or HOOC-COOH or C2H2O4 Rhubarb plant, tomatoes etc

Citric acid HOOC-CH2-C(COOH)(OH)- CH2-COOH or Limes, lemons and

C6H8O7 oranges(citrus food) etc

Formic acid HCOOH or CH2O2 Insect bites (e.g. ant, bee etc),
stinging nettles etc

Tartaric acid HOOC-CH(OH)-CH(OH)-COOH or C4H6O6 Grape juice, tamarind etc

Tannic acid C76H52O46 Tea

Acetic / CH3COOH or C2O2H4 Vinegar

ethanoic acid
 Apples, pears and pineapples
Malic acid HOOC-CH2-CH(OH)-COOH or C4H6O5 etc
Amloki
Ascorbic acid C6H8O6