Sulfate

Sulfate is the IUPAC name for the SO₄^2- ion, consisting of a central sulfur atom single bonded to four tetrahedrally oriented oxygen atoms. This anion has a net negative two electric charge.

Almost all ionic compoundss with sulfate anions are soluble in water at standard temperature and pressure (the exceptions include CaSO₄, SrSO₄, and BaSO₄).

The acid of the sulfate ion is H₂SO₄, called sulfuric acid.

Sulfates are important in both chemical industry and biological systems:

• Lead batteries typically use sulfuric acid.
• Organisms living near deep sea thermal vents depend on sulfates for energy in lieu of the sun.
• Copper sulfate is a common algaecide.
• Magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom salts, is used as a therapeutic bath.