What is the Difference Between Caro’s Acid and Marshall’s Acid?

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Caro's acid and Marshall's acid are inorganic acid compounds containing sulfate groups. The key difference between Caro's acid and Marshall's acid lies in the number of sulfate groups in each compound:

  • Caro's Acid: This acid has the chemical formula H2SO5 and contains one sulfate group. Its oxidation state of sulfur is +6 due to the presence of two peroxy oxygens.
  • Marshall's Acid: This acid has the chemical formula H2S2O8 and contains two sulfate groups. Similar to Caro's acid, its oxidation state of sulfur is +6 due to the presence of two peroxy oxygens.

Both Caro's acid and Marshall's acid are used as powerful oxidizing agents in various chemical reactions.

Comparative Table: Caro’s Acid vs Marshall’s Acid

Caro's acid and Marshall's acid are inorganic acid compounds containing sulfate groups. The key difference between them is the number of sulfate groups in each compound. Here is a table comparing the two acids:

Property Caro's Acid Marshall's Acid
Structural Formula HO3S-O-O-SO3H H2S2O8
Number of Sulfate Groups One sulfate group Two sulfate groups
Oxidation States of Sulfur +6, +6 +6, +6
Preparation Reaction between chlorosulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide, or electrolysis of concentrated sulfuric acid using platinum at high voltage General formula for Marshall's acid is H2S2O8, also known as peroxydisulfuric acid
Uses Powerful oxidizing agent Powerful oxidizing agent

Both Caro's acid and Marshall's acid are important inorganic acids containing sulfate groups, and they are named as peroxymonosulfuric and peroxydisulfuric acid, respectively.