What is the Difference Between Mineral Acids and Organic Acids?

The main difference between mineral acids and organic acids lies in their origin and chemical composition. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Origin: Mineral acids are obtained from minerals and are inorganic in nature, while organic acids are obtained from living organisms and are organic in nature.
2. Corrosiveness: Mineral acids are highly corrosive, whereas organic acids are non-corrosive.
3. Chemical Composition: Mineral acids typically consist of inorganic compounds, such as hydrogen and a non-metal element. Organic acids, on the other hand, are made up mostly of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
4. Solubility in Water: Mineral acids dissolve well in water, while organic acids do not dissociate completely in water.
5. Acidity: Mineral acids have a low pH value, making them more acidic than organic acids, which have a higher pH value.
6. Dissociation: Mineral acids completely dissociate in water, whereas organic acids do not.

Examples of mineral acids include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and hydrofluoric acid. Examples of organic acids include citric acid, lactic acid, and malic acid.

Comparative Table: Mineral Acids vs Organic Acids

Here is a table comparing the differences between mineral acids and organic acids:

In summary, mineral acids are inorganic compounds with acidic properties that are highly corrosive and dissociate completely in water, while organic acids are organic compounds with acidic properties that are less corrosive and do not dissociate completely in water.