What is Trithionate? Definition, Examples, and Formation

Trithionate is a term used in chemistry to describe a compound that contains three sulfate (-SO3-) groups. The suffix "-ate" is often used to indicate the presence of a particular ion or functional group in a molecule, so "trithionate" literally means "having three sulfate groups".

Trithionates are typically found in inorganic compounds, such as minerals and salts, although they can also be found in some organic compounds. They are often formed when a metal ion reacts with sulfuric acid or another strong acid to produce a series of sulfate ions.

One example of a trithionate is the mineral gypsum, which is composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O). When this mineral is heated to a high temperature, it loses water and forms a trithionate compound called calcium sulfate trithionate (CaSO4·3SO3H). This compound has three sulfate groups attached to the calcium ion, making it a trithionate.