Sulphuric Acid

Sulphuric Acid:

It  is a colourless oily yellow liquid, with density slightly higher than water.Having a boiling point of 338°C.  It is soluble in water and emits heat when dissolved in water – exothermic in nature.

Contact Process:

Sulphuric Acid is manufactured using Sulphur, Air and Water.

• Sulphur is burned in air to form Sulphur Dioxide(SO₂).

S  + O₂ SO₂

SO2 is purified from impurities by passing it through dust settlers and washed with water and then dried with H₂SO_4. As, if impurities left the reaction would be less effective.

• Vanadium V Oxide is used as a catalyst, Platinum can also be used as a catalyst, however it is expensive.Suplhur Dioxide is cooled and further reacted with Oxygen to form Sulphur Trioxide.

• Sulphur Dioxide is dissolved in concentrated Sulphuric Acid to form Oleum.

SO₃    + H₂SO₄ H₂S₂O₇

• Upon dilution with water, Sulphuric Acid is formed.

H₂S₂O₇  + H₂0 2H₂SO₄

Uses Of Sulphur Dioxide and Sulphuric Acid:

Sulphur Dioxide is used:

• In manufacturing of Sulphuric Acid.
• As a food preservative – kills bacteria.
• As a bleasching agent.

Sulphuric Acid is used:

• To make dyes.
• In production of Fertilizers.
• To make detergents.
• As an electrolyte in batteries of cars.