What is the Difference Between Sulphate Sulphide and Sulphite

The main difference between sulphate sulphide and sulphite is that sulphate is a polyatomic anion with a charge of 2- that contains four oxygen atoms and one sulphur atom, whereas sulphide is an anion that contains two sulphur atoms and has a charge of 2-, and sulphite is a polyatomic anion with a charge of 2- that contains three oxygen atoms and one sulphur atom.

Anions are negatively charged ions that have gained one or more electrons. Sulphates, sulphides, and sulphites are three types of anions.

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is a Sulphate  
     – Definition, Features
2. What is a Sulphide 
     – Definition, Features
3. What is a Sulphite
     – Definition, Features
4. Difference Between Sulphate Sulphide and Sulphite
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Sulphate, Sulphide, Sulphite

What is a Sulphate

Sulphate is a polyatomic anion consisting of four oxygen atoms and one sulpher atom with a charge of 2-. It has a chemical formula of SO₄²– and a molar mass of 96.06 g mol-1. Sulphate forms salts with a variety of elements, including potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and barium. There are two methods to form sulphate. One is the oxidation of metal sulphites and sulphides. Here, the formation of sulphate as the final state of oxidation is determined by consecutive reactions that are critically dependent on other factors, such as the catalyst. The other method is treating metal hydroxide, metal oxide, and pure metal with sulfuric acid.

There are many uses for sulphates. They act as fertilizers in agriculture, providing plants with essential nutrients such as sulphur and oxygen. Sulphates are added to soils that lack these nutrients to improve the yield of the crop and plant health. In the manufacturing industry, sulphates have many applications, such as the production of detergents and cleaning agents. Sulphates also have the ability to remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants from surfaces. They are also used in the paper production industry and in textiles to break down wood fibers, create pulp and remove impurities, and improve the dyeability of fibres. In the pharmaceutical industry, sulphates are used as excipients. They are inactive substances that are added to medications to help them dissolve or bind together. Sulphates are added to capsules and tablets. They are also present in personal care products like soaps, body sprays, lotions, makeup, and shampoos.

What is a Sulphide

Sulphide is an anion that contains two sulphur atoms and has a charge of 2-  The molecular formula of sulphide is S²-.Sulphides can be of two types as inorganic and organic. Inorganic sulphides form by the combination of a metal or a non-metal with sulphur. Some examples of inorganic sulphides are iron sulphide, copper sulphide and lead sulphide. Organic sulphides form by the combination of carbon-containing compounds with sulphur. Some common organic sulphides include dimethyl sulphide and diethyl sulphide. These inorganic sulphides are found in nature as minerals.

Sulphides form in the following ways.

1. When elements combine differently
2. By the reduction of sulphate
3. When an insoluble sulphide undergoes precipitation

Sulphides are important in many industrial applications. They help to extract metals from their ores in the floatation process. Sulphides are used as lubricants in high-temperature environments. Sulphides are also useful in the manufacturing of semiconductors. They are also used as catalysts in various chemical reactions. In agriculture, sulphides act as soil amendments to improve soil fertility.

What is a Sulphite

Sulphite is a polyatomic anion with a charge of 2- that contains three oxygen atoms and one sulphur atom. (SO₃²-). Sulphites are used in the food and beverage industry as preservatives, antioxidants, and antimicrobial agents. They prevent the spoilage of food. They also preserve the colour and flavour of fruits and vegetables.

Sulphites are also useful in the paper and pulp industry to bleach wood pulp. They remove lignin and other impurities from the wood pulp. In the pharmaceutical industry, they act as preservatives for some medications. In addition, they help to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that causes the spoilage of medication. They also act as antioxidants to prevent the oxidation of some medications. Moreover, sulphites also help in water treatment as a disinfectant. One other use of sulphites is in the chemical industry, where they function as reducing agents.

Difference Between Sulphate Sulphide and Sulphite

Definition

Sulphate is a polyatomic anion with a charge of 2- that contains four oxygen atoms and one sulphur atom, whereas sulphide is an anion that contains two sulphur atoms and has a charge of 2-, and sulphite is a polyatomic anion with a charge of 2- that contains three oxygen atoms and one sulphur atom.

Chemical Formula

The chemical formula of sulphate is SO₄²-, and the chemical formula of sulphide is S²– whereas the chemical formula of sulphite is SO₃²-.

Uses

Sulphates are commonly found in minerals and soil and are also used in various industries such as construction and agriculture, while sulphides are often found in minerals and ores and are also used in the production of batteries and semiconductors. Meanwhile, sulphites are commonly used as preservatives in the food and beverage, and medicine industries and are also used in the production of paper and textiles.

Conclusion

Sulphate, sulphide, and sulphite are three types of anions. The main difference between sulphate sulphide and sulphite is that sulphate is a polyatomic anion with a charge of 2- that contains four oxygen atoms and one sulphur atom, whereas sulphide is an anion that contains two sulphur atoms and has a charge of 2- and sulphite is a polyatomic anion with a charge of 2- that contains three oxygen atoms and one sulphur atom.

Reference:

1. “Sulphide.” Byju’s
2. “Sulphate [SO4(2-)].” Byju’s

Image courtesy:

1. “Sulfate-ion-2D-dimensions” By YinY. – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Sulfidion” By Roland Mattern – Roland1952 (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
3. “Sulfite-ion-2D-dimensions” (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia