The sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive substance with many uses and applications. Its formulation is well-known and can be used, due to its molecular mass, weight, and pH properties, in industrial processes following the safety data sheet. It is known to be a key component of batteries because its production is relatively simple.
Sulfuric acid formula
It is produced by oxidizing sulfur dioxide using nitrogen oxide in a solution that contains sulfuric acid and water.
This mixture can be used as a fertilizer or to synthesize other types of acids and sulfates. Its formula is H2SO4, and the amount produced is a sign of the industrial capacity of the producing country.
Once the reaction occurs by mixing the elements, other processes can follow to improve the sulfuric acid concentration. Depending on the purpose, for which it will be used, it will be convenient to increase its percentage and purity.
Contents
Uses
- To produce acids.
- As a precursor element for oxides.
- Raw material for manufacturing industrial chemicals.
- Ammonium nitrosulfate fertilizer.
- Petroleum refining.
- Metal treatment.
The fertilizer based on ammonium nitrosulfate is obtained by mixing nitric acid with ammonia. It is also used to obtain phosphoric acid, which will then be transformed into plant fertilizer called triple superphosphate or mono- and diammonium phosphates. This is the most common use of sulfuric acid.
It is quite common to use small amounts to treat steel or extract non-ferrous metals.
Additionally, sulfuric acid is used in the manufacture of explosives due to its high reactivity. This makes it very dangerous along with its corrosive properties.
In the plastic industry and synthetic fiber production, it is widely used.
Uses for obtaining Chromium Acid
From sulfuric acid, it is possible to obtain other compounds and corrosive agents for various purposes. One of them serves to remove organic matter and clean glass. Chromic acid has uses in glass manufacturing and also in the metallurgy industry. It gives brass a new shine and appearance.
Although it has a chemical reaction in both directions, it is most common to add concentrated sulfuric acid with dichromate. In the process, the particles change color from orange to red and finally to dark red when it becomes chromium trioxide, which is chromium acid anhydride.
Sulfuric acid and water
Both react violently when mixed. The so-called heat of dissolution appears, a heat release that causes the water’s temperature to rise.
As more sulfuric acid is added, the solution continues to increase in temperature until part of the water (H2O) evaporates. In this chemical reaction, sulfuric acid is also lost. Since it is a solution, if the heat continues to rise, SO3 or sulfur oxide also begins to evaporate, as it is possible to reverse the process of H2SO4 into SO3.
Keep in mind that protective measures are necessary when conducting this experiment. The reaction is violent, and splashes and bubbles are common when acids are added to calm water surfaces.
The final formula is: 2 H(+) and SO4(2-).
Molecular mass
This corrosive chemical compound, once produced, that is, when it is sulfuric acid has the following properties and molecular mass:
- Density: 1.84 g/cm3.
- Molar mass: 98.079 g/mol.
- Boiling point: 337 °C.
- Melting point: 10 °C.
- Formula H2SO4.
pH of sulfuric acid
The ion concentration in an aqueous solution is what we know as pH, so to know it, it is necessary to discover this information. However, there is a formula to calculate the pH of sulfuric acid:
Starting from the molar mass of 88 g/mol and the molarity of H2SO4, M = (3.675/98)/0.075, which gives a result of 0.5 mol/L.
From here, it must be observed that each mole of sulfuric acid produces 2 moles of H+ or H3O+ ions, so the molarity of H+ ions is 0.5 x 2 = 1 mol/L.
The final result, the formula to calculate the pH of sulfuric acid is:
pH = -log[H+] = -log 1 = 0
Is sulfuric acid in batteries the same?
The only difference between different types of sulfuric acid is its purity percentage. But when the nomenclature refers to the acid, it is the same.
In general, any type of battery, regardless of its technology, requires an ionic medium called an electrolyte. Without electrolyte, there is no battery.
Car, motorcycle, and most commercial batteries need an ionic medium known as an electrolyte. Depending on the use, in this case, sulfuric acid for batteries needs to be diluted to 32% with water. Each 100 grams of electrolyte contains 32 of acid, meaning seventy-eight of water and thirty-two of sulfuric acid.
Fuming
It contains sulfur trioxide in different concentrations and is known as oleum. It is also called “disulfuric acid” and “pyrosulfuric acid.”
The production of fuming sulfuric acid is done through the contact method explained below.
Formulation
Depending on the process used to obtain it, the production of sulfuric acid with various raw materials will yield a liquid of varying purity.
The most common processes to obtain sulfuric acid are:
- With lead chambers.
- Contact method.
Production of sulfuric acid
Both the contact process and the use of lead chambers involve adding sulfur dioxide or SO2 to water to produce an oxidation reaction.
Obtaining with lead chambers
Lead chambers is the most common method used in fertilizer manufacturing. The result is concentrated sulfuric acid, ranging from 62% to 78%, meaning H2SO4 from 62% upwards.
Production with the contact method
Contact method produces acid with higher concentration and purity. This way of creating it is less efficient because it increases costs. To carry out the production of sulfuric acid, high-quality catalysts and elements are needed, raising costs unnecessarily.
Sulfuric acid on the skin
Despite being extremely corrosive, it is not highly volatile, so exposure generally occurs through spraying or aerosol use.
When it comes into contact with living tissue, it destroys it, causing irritation in mild cases and irreparable damage in others. The side effects of sulfuric acid on the skin are severe.
Inhalation must be considered based on factors such as concentration, exposure time, humidity, and aerosol particle size. Severe lung damage and pulmonary edema are very likely. Burns should be treated immediately at a hospital.
Price
As with most products, the price per liter, bottle, or drum varies depending on the quantity and quality of the raw material, so the price of sulfuric acid fluctuates according to its purity level.
From professional drain cleaners in 1-liter containers to those used to activate batteries, which cost a bit more, to 4-liter bottles that cost a bit more but offer a lower cost per quantity of acid.
For industrial uses, drums offer much more competitive prices due to their higher demand and large-scale sales.
Where to buy sulfuric acid
You can buy sulfuric acid at a chemical supply store, drugstore, and specialized centers for industrial chemicals and corrosives. There are several online stores that deliver it to your home or business address, workshop, or the activity where you need this acid. With a 98% concentration, it is harder to acquire due to its danger and dehydrating power. At lower concentrations, it is accessible and you can purchase it.