pentathionic, a. Chem.
(ˌpɛntəθaɪˈɒnɪk)
[irreg. f. penta- + Gr. θεῖον sulphur + -ic: see dithionic.]
In pentathionic acid, an acid containing five atoms of sulphur in the molecule, H2S3O6, colourless, inodorous, and of bitter taste. Hence pentathionate (-ˈθaɪənət), a salt of pentathionic acid.
In quot. 1849, applied to the anhydride or oxide (S5O5).
| 1849 D. Campbell Inorg. Chem. 58 Pentathionic acid, S5O5..This acid is in solution when an excess of sulphide of hydrogen gas is passed into a saturated solution of sulphurous acid. 1881 Athenæum 29 Jan. 169/1 Obtaining beautifully crystallized barium and potassium pentathionates. 1881 Nature XXIII. 615/2 Mr. V. Lewes..describes..several potassium pentathionates... These experiments appear to establish beyond doubt the existence of pentathionic acid. |