For example, in preparing sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) a certain amount of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is needed to neutralize the sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to produce this salt. When preparing sodium bisulfate (NaHSO4), half of the required amount of sodium hydroxide for neutralization is used.
Such compounds can act either as an acid or a base: addition of an acid will restore protons, and addition of a base will consume protons. The actual pH of a solution of an acid salt will depend on the equilibrium constants involved, and whether the anion is a better proton donor or proton acceptor. A comparison between the Kb and Ka will indicate this: if Kb > Ka, the solution will be basic, whereas if Kb < Ka, the solution will be acidic.
Some acid salts are used in baking. They are found in baking powders and are typically divided into low-temperature (or single-acting) and high-temperature (or double-acting) acid salts. Common low-temperature acid salts react at room temperature to produce a leavening effect. They include cream of tartar, calcium phosphate, and citrates. High-temperature acid salts produce a leavening effect during baking and are usually aluminium salts such as calcium aluminium phosphate. Some acid salts may also be found in non-dairy coffee creamers.
