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Acids, Weak

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There are 108 chemical datasheets assigned to this reactive group.

What are reactive groups?

Reactive groups are categories of chemicals that typically react in similar ways because they are similar in their chemical structure. Each substance with a chemical datasheet has been assigned to one or more reactive groups, and CAMEO Chemicals uses the reactive group assignments to make its reactivity predictions. More info about reactivity predictions...

If you can't find a chemical in the database--but you know what reactive group it belongs in--you can add the reactive group to MyChemicals instead in order to see the reactivity predictions.

Flammability
Compounds in this group are generally nonflammable.
Reactivity
Weak acids are generally soluble in water with the release of hydrogen ions. The resulting solutions have pHs of less than 7. Acids neutralize chemical bases (for example: amines and inorganic hydroxides) to form salts, liberating heat. Neutralization occurs as the base accepts hydrogen ions that the acid donates. These materials react with active metals, including such structural metals as aluminum and iron, to release hydrogen, a flammable gas. They can initiate the polymerization of certain classes of organic compounds. They react with cyanide compounds to release gaseous hydrogen cyanide. They often generate flammable and/or toxic gases in contact with dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, nitriles, sulfides, and strong reducing agents. Additional gas-generating reactions occur with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), and even carbonates: the carbon dioxide gas from the last is non-toxic but can be troublesome. Acids often catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions.
Toxicity
Corrosive to tissue. Acid fumes irritate sensitive tissues (such as the eyes and respiratory system) especially severely.
Other Characteristics
Acids have a sour taste; they turn blue litmus red. Weak acids dissociate in water to H+ ions and weak conjugate base anions although they do not fully dissociate like strong acids. Acids are considered weak if they have a pKa value greater than -2, or pH greater than 2 but less than 7.
Examples
Arsenic acid, boric acid, linolenic acid, phosphoric acid, selenious acid, hydrofluoric acid.

Use the links below to find out how this reactive group interacts with any of the reactive groups in the database.

The predicted hazards and gas byproducts for each reactive group pair will be displayed, as well as documentation and references that were used to make the reactivity predictions.

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