Science, Tech, Math › Science What Is an Oxyacid in Chemistry? Print Phosphoric acid is an oxyacid. Ben Mills/PD Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on July 03, 2019 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. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "What Is an Oxyacid in Chemistry?" ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-oxyacid-605461. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 25). What Is an Oxyacid in Chemistry? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-oxyacid-605461 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "What Is an Oxyacid in Chemistry?" ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-oxyacid-605461 (accessed April 19, 2024). copy citation