by Sulfuric acid, also known as hydrogen sulphate, is a colorless, oily, corrosive liquid that is soluble in water. It is considered one of the strongest and most commonly produced acids in the world with wide industrial applications. Despite its critical usage, it can also be hazardous if not handled properly. Let’s take a deeper look at this versatile yet dangerous chemical.
Chemical Properties
Sulfuric acid has the chemical formula H2SO4 and a molecular weight of 98.079 g/mol. It is highly hygroscopic, meaning it easily absorbs moisture from the air. Freshly prepared concentrated sulfuric acid has a density of about 1.84 g/cm3. When heated above 277°C, it decomposes to sulfur trioxide (SO3), oxygen and water according to the endothermic reaction:
H2SO4 → SO3 + H2O
This property makes it useful for dehydrating reactions. Sulfuric acid is miscible with water in all proportions, generating heat as it forms solutions. Dilute solutions are colorless, while concentrated acid has a thick oily consistency. It reacts violently with most metals above 50% concentration, generating flammable hydrogen gas. Due to its strong acidic nature, it should always be handled carefully.
Industrial Applications
Due to its versatility, Sulfuric Acid finds applications across various industries worldwide. It is primarily used in:
– Fertilizer Production: It is used in the manufacturing of phosphate fertilizers like superphosphate by treating phosphate rock with the acid. Around 80% of the global production is consumed in fertilizer manufacturing.
– Oil Refining: Sulfuric acid is used as a catalyst in alkylation processes to improve the octane rating of gasoline during oil refining. It acts as a catalyst by donating protons.
– Waste Water Treatment: It is commonly used in municipal water treatment plants to adjust and balance pH levels. It neutralizes alkaline properties.
– Metallurgy: The acid plays a role in extractive metallurgy, for example, in purifying metal from ores. It is used in processes like leaching and precipitation.
– Car Batteries: Dilute sulfuric acid is the electrolyte used in lead-acid storage batteries found in vehicles to store electric charge.
– Dyes and Pigments: It is used in dye and pigment manufacturing for processes like sulfonation and sulfation.
So in summary, it has wide applications ranging from fertilizers to oil refining. Its availability and properties lend it well for industrial purposes.
Effects on Health and Environment
Despite being extensively used, concentrated sulfuric acid can be hazardous due to its strong corrosive effects. A few health and environmental impacts are:
– Skin Burns: Even diluted solutions can cause severe burns upon contact with skin or eyes. Prolonged exposure may lead to deep tissue damage.
– Inhalation Hazards: Breathing in mists or fumes of the concentrated acid can severely irritate the respiratory tract, sometimes causing pulmonary edema.
– Toxic Fumes: When heated to decomposition, it emits toxic sulfur oxide fumes which are respiratory irritants and can cause edema.
– Water Pollution: Improper disposal of acidic wastes from factories pose a pollution threat. Large spills can contaminate soil and water bodies, lowering pH.
– Metal Corrosion: Being a strong acid, it corrodes metals on prolonged contact, especially containers during storage and transport.
Therefore, safe handling practices involving adequate ventilation, protective equipment and neutralization of wastes are necessary. Its toxic effects require monitoring emissions and following pollution norms strictly. Overall risks are manageable if handled responsibly.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
