Which oxoacid of sulfur is commonly used for disinfecting swimming pools as well as delignification of wood?

Peroxymonosulfuric acid

The correct answer is option 4. Peroxymonosulfuric acid.

Peroxymonosulfuric acid \((H_2SO_5)\), also known as Caro's acid, is a strong oxidizing agent used for various applications, including disinfecting swimming pools and delignification of wood. Here is a detailed explanation of its properties and uses:

Chemical Structure: Peroxymonosulfuric acid has the chemical formula \(H_2SO_5\). It can be viewed as a compound derived from sulfuric acid \((H_2SO_4)\) and hydrogen peroxide \((H_2O_2)\), where one oxygen atom in sulfuric acid is replaced by a peroxide group \((-OOH)\). Its structure can be represented as \(HO-O-S(O)_2-OH\).

Oxidizing Properties: Peroxymonosulfuric acid is a powerful oxidizing agent. The peroxide group \((-OOH)\) in its structure readily donates oxygen atoms, making it effective for oxidizing a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds.

Disinfectant for Swimming Pools: Peroxymonosulfuric acid is commonly used as a disinfectant in swimming pools. It effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and algae present in the water, helping to maintain water quality and prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses. Its oxidizing properties enable it to destroy organic contaminants and pathogens, keeping the pool water clean and safe for recreational use.

Delignification of Wood: In the wood pulp and paper industry, peroxymonosulfuric acid is utilized for delignification processes. Lignin is a complex polymer that binds wood fibers together, and its removal is essential for producing high-quality paper products. Peroxymonosulfuric acid acts as a bleaching agent, breaking down lignin and removing color from wood pulp to produce white pulp suitable for papermaking. Its strong oxidizing properties facilitate the degradation of lignin molecules, allowing for efficient delignification.

Other Applications: Besides disinfection and delignification, peroxymonosulfuric acid has various other industrial applications. It is used in organic synthesis as a reagent for oxidation reactions, in wastewater treatment for removing organic pollutants, and in surface cleaning and sterilization processes.

In summary, peroxymonosulfuric acid is a versatile compound with potent oxidizing properties, making it valuable for disinfecting swimming pools, delignifying wood in the paper industry, and other industrial applications where strong oxidizing agents are required.