Mineral acids are acids obtained from the chemical reaction of inorganic minerals with relatively organic acids. These have hydrogen atoms ***valently bound to anions such as sulfates or chlorides based on the charge of the anion.

Characteristics

Mineral acids range from very powerful (example acid: sulfuric acid) to very weak (boric acid). Because mineral acid molecules tend to consist of only a few atoms, many of which are polar, they tend to be very soluble in water and insoluble in organic solutions. Mineral acids are very important for chemical processes.

These acids are most commonly used in large-scale industries. For example, dilute solutions of hydrochloric acid are used for removing savings from the inside of boilers, when precautions are taken by the acid to prevent corrosion of the boiler. This process is commonly recognized as removal of oxide skin. So, a large number of these acids, especially sulfuric, nitric and hydrochloric acids are made commercially for large plants.