The strong acids are those that completely dissociate (ionize 100%) in aqueous solution, releasing hydrogen ions (H⁺). The seven common strong acids are:
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- Nitric acid (HNO₃)
- Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)
- Hydrobromic acid (HBr)
- Hydroiodic acid (HI)
- Chloric acid (HClO₃)
- Perchloric acid (HClO₄)
These acids fully ionize in water, making them strong proton donors and giving them very low pKa values and high acid dissociation constants (Ka)
. Sulfuric acid is unique among them as it has two acidic protons (it is diprotic)
. Perchloric acid is noted as the strongest among them and is a potent oxidizer in its dry form
. In summary, the seven strong acids are HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄, HBr, HI, HClO₃, and HClO₄
