Sulfate compounds arise when cations combine with the anion SO42-. Often this combination results in an ionic compound, although sulfates can engage in covalent bonding with most elements. The metal complex PtSO4P(C6H5)32 is clearly covalent Pt-O bonding. Dialkylsulfates, such as dimethylsulfate are covalent, distillable species. Many sulfate salts are highly soluble in water. Exceptions include calcium sulfate, strontium sulfate, and barium sulfate, which are poorly soluble.
Potential Health Effects This material hydrolyzes in water to form sulfuric acid, which is responsible for the irritating effects given below.
| Inhalation: | Ingestion: |
| Causes irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath. | Causes irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. There have been two cases of fatal human poisonings from ingestion of 30 grams of alum. |