Oxyacid Definition and Examples

An oxyacid is an acid that contains an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and at least one other element. An oxyacid dissociates in water to form the H⁺ cation and the anion of the acid. An oxyacid has the general structure X-O-H.

Also Known As: oxoacid

Examples: Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), and nitric acid (HNO₃) are all oxyacids.

Note: Keto acids and oxocarboxylic acids are sometimes mistakenly called oxyacids.