Sulfuric Acid Uses In Industrial Production, Homes And Labs

 

Pictured Here Is Sulfuric Acid In The Lab Alley Research Laboratory In Austin, Texas, December 12, 2021 - How To Safely Use, Handle, Store And Dispose Of Sulfuric Acid With Personal Protective Equipment PPE

What Is Sulfuric Acid Used For?

Sulfuric acid is used in homes as a drain cleaner, as a reagent in laboratories and extensively in manufacturing processes. H₂SO₄ is used to make fertilizers, to process metals, to perform science experiments, for battery acid, in household and toilet cleaners and to treat water.

Sulfuric Acid Functions And Facts

The primary use of sulfuric acid is in the production of fertilizer. It is used to manufacture of other chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. It is to produce sulfate salts, medicines, synthetic detergents, dyes and pigments, explosives and pharmaceutical drugs. Read more here.

How To Use Sulfuric Acid Safely

  • Download a Sulfuric Acid Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet, here.

  • Learn how you can use baking soda to neutralize sulfuric acid spills, in this PDF.

  • Find out how to use sulfuric acid safely to clean a drain, here.

December 17 2021 - Find out how to use sulfuric acid safely to clean a drain and buy a 32 ounce bottle of Clean Shot sulfuric acid (93 percent) drain opener for 9.99 from Lowes, here

Use Sulfuric Acid Safely For Drains, Gold Recovery, Metal Cleaning Or Rust Removal

  • Buy sulfuric acid at LabAlley.com.

  • Learn how to safely refine gold with sulfuric acid, here. 

  • Sulfuric acid is an excellent rust remover but it can be extremely dangerous when not handled responsibly.

  • Sulfuric acid is used in metal processing as well as manufacturing zinc and copper.

  • Sulfuric acid is also used during the process of pickling (cleaning) of steel and iron surfaces before plating them with tin or zinc.

 

December 17, 2021 - Pictured Here Are 6 Bottles of 95-98% sulfuric acid ACS Reagent Grade - Order a 16 ounce (500 mL) bottle of ACS Reagent Grade Sulfuric Acid H2SO4, Concentrated (CAS 7664-93-9, US DOT UN2796, Class 8) for $45, here.

 

Sulfuric Acid For Laboratory Work And Chemical Analysis

  • Order a 16 ounce (500 mL) bottle of ACS Reagent Grade Sulfuric Acid H2SO4, Concentrated (CAS: 7664-93-9, US DOT UN2796, Class 8), here.

  • Read sulfuric acid storage and disposal safety tips, here.

How To Use Sulfuric Acid Safely To Clean Drains, Unclog Toilets And Where To Buy It

Lab Alley Corporate Headquarters, Austin, Texas, December 13, 2021 -Chemical drain cleaners that contain a high level (93% to 96%) of Lab Alley Brand Sulfuric Acid, unclog stubborn plastic and metal pipes

 

Sulfuric Acid For Drains

Chemical drain cleaners are either alkaline-based, with ingredients such as sodium hydroxide (lye) and potassium hydroxide (caustic potash); or acid-based, with high concentrations of sulfuric acid (oil of vitriol).

  • Bob Vila lists the best drain cleaners for hair, here.

  • Both types of drain cleaners can dissolve hair in pipes. Chemical drain cleaners are more corrosive; in fact, they may eventually damage your plumbing if used frequently or in large amounts. They must be safely handled and carefully stored.

  • Sulfuric acid at high concentrations is frequently the major ingredient in acidic drain cleaners which are used to remove grease, hair, tissue paper, etc.

  • Similar to their alkaline versions, such drain openers can dissolve fats and proteins via hydrolysis.

  • Because concentrated sulfuric acid has a strong dehydrating property, it can remove tissue paper via dehydrating process as well.

  • Since the acid may react with water vigorously, such acidic drain openers should be added slowly into the pipe to be cleaned.

  • Learn how to use sulfuric acid for cleaning drains, here.

  • Chemical drain cleaners that contain a high level (93% to 96%) of Lab Alley Brand Sulfuric Acid, unclog stubborn plastic and metal pipes by dissolving hair, grease and paper products.

Sulfuric Acid Drain Cleaner

 

Use Sulfuric Acid Safely In Your Laboratory, Classroom Or Home

Brown Glass Bottles Of Sulfuric Acid At Lab Alley Research Laboratory In Austin Texas December 14 2021 - Store away from heat and sunlight in a cool and dry area

 

December 17, 2021: Pictured above are two amber brown glass bottles of concentrated sulfuric acid in a laboratory.

Why People Buy Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric Acid Safety Precautions

Lab Alley Corporate Headquarters, Austin, Texas, December 13, 2021 - Sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive to all body tissues. It is corrosive and irritating and causes direct local effects on the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tracts after direct exposure. It causes rapid tissue destruction and serious chemical burns on contact with the skin or eyes. Skin or eye contact requires immediate first aid. Inhalation of sulphuric acid mist or fumes may produce irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory tract.

 

Sulfuric Acid Safety Tips

  • Take safety precautions to avoid sulfuric acid leaks and spills and wear acid resistant protective clothing.

  • Wear nitrile or natural rubber gloves for prolonged contact with sulfuric acid.

  • Learn how to use sulfuric acid safely at work or home by downloading and reading Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), here.

  • On this page, you can watch sulfuric acid safety videos and read informative OSHA sulfuric acid safety guidelines.

  • Learn how to use sulfuric acid in your home or at work without being harmed by this highly useful, but corrosive chemical.

  • If you or someone you are with has an exposure to sulfuric acid, call your local emergency number such as 911.
  • You can also contact your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the Poison Help hotline, at 1-800-222-1222, from anywhere in the United States.

 

Sulfuric Acid For Sale 

December 17, 2021 - Picture here is a clear glass reagent bottle with sulfuric acid, also known as oil of vitriol. It is a mineral acid composed of the elements sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen, with the molecular formula H2SO4. It is a colorless, odorless and viscous liquid sold online and locally in the United States by Lab Alley is miscible with water

December 17, 2021 - Picture above is a clear glass reagent bottle with sulfuric acid, also known as oil of vitriol.

Buy Sulfuric Acid

  • Buy sulfuric acid for drains, labs, anodizing, batteries and plumbing, here.

  • Sulfuric acid is a dangerous mineral acid composed of the elements sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen, with the molecular formula H2SO4. 

  • Lab Alley Brand Sulfuric Acids are colorless, odorless and viscous liquids that are miscible with water.

  • Buy concentrated reagent grade sulfuric acid in 500mL bottles for drains, science experiments, household cleaning products, medicine, gold recovery, water treatment, pH adjustment, drugs, batteries, pools, toilets and rust removal.

 

December 17, 2021: Pictured above is a 30 mL bottle of ACS reagent grade 96% sulfuric acid (4% water). This concentrated 18 Molar solution is sold by online retailers such as Lab Alley for $20 and Home Science Tools for $6.95.

December 17, 2021: Pictured above is a 30 mL bottle of ACS reagent grade 96% sulfuric acid with 4% water.

Concentrated Sulfuric Acid For Sale

Sulfuric Acid Solutions For Sale

Listed below are some of the most widely purchased concentrations of sulfuric acid used for general purpose chemistry lab and educational in the U.S.

 

Sulfuric Acid 2.5 Liter Bottle Pictured Below

 

Austin, Texas, December 13, 2021 - Pictured here is a 2.5 liter bottle of Lab Alley Brand Sulfuric Acid 96%

 

Concentrated Sulfuric Acid 2.5 Liter

 

Lab Alley, Austin, Texas, December 14, 2021 - Pictured here is a 4 liter (1 gallon) bottle of Reagent Grade Sulfuric Acid (95-98%) in an amber glass bottle that sells for $100

 

Sulfuric Acid Grades And Concentrations

The Role Of Sulfuric Acid In Industry

Sulfuric acid is a very important commodity chemical, and indeed, a nation's sulfuric acid production is a good indicator of its industrial strength. Most of the sulfuric acid is consumed for fertilizers, particularly superphosphates, ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfates. About 20% is used in chemical industry for production of detergents, synthetic resins, dyestuffs, pharmaceuticals, petroleum catalysts, insecticides and antifreeze, as well as in various processes such as oil well acidizing, aluminum reduction, paper sizing, water treatment. About 6% of uses are related to pigments and include paints, enamels, printing inks, coated fabrics and paper, and the rest is dispersed into a multitude of applications such as production of explosives, cellophane, acetate and viscose textiles, lubricants, non-ferrous metals, and batteries.

Sulfuric acid is a dense, oily liquid that can be colorless to brown, depending on the purity. It can also exist as ice- or fiber-like crystals or as a gas. Sulfuric acid is also called battery acid. It is odorless with a strong acid taste. Sulfuric acid reacts violently with water, generating much heat. It is highly corrosive. USE: Sulfuric acid is an important commercial chemical used to make fertilizers, explosives, dyestuffs and other chemicals. It is used in petroleum refining, ore processing, paper manufacturing, battery manufacturing, leather industries, printing and jewelry making. In some countries it is used in agriculture, as a desiccant on potatoes, flax and bulbs. It is used as a sanitizer for food processing and dairy facilities.

Sulfuric acid is manufactured from sulfur, oxygen and water via the conventional contact process (DCDA) or the wet sulfuric acid process (WSA).

What Sulfuric Acid Is Used For

Learn how sulfuric acid is used by individuals and companies in the United States.

The major use of sulfuric acid is in the production of fertilizers, e.g., superphosphate of lime and ammonium sulfate. It is widely used in the manufacture of chemicals, e.g., in making hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfate salts, synthetic detergents, dyes and pigments, explosives, and drugs.

Learn how to use sulfuric acid for drain cleaning, here. Learn how to use sulfuric acid for batteries, here.

Sulfuric acid is the aqueous electrolyte used in battery – lead acid batteries. Sulfuric acid is diluted with chemically clean & pure water (demineralized water) to obtain about 37% concentration by weight of acid. The lead acid battery electrolyte concentration or battery acid pH differs from battery manufacturer to manufacturer.

Find out if you should use sulfuric acid to treat your pool, here. 

Sulfuric acid is used to raise the overall acidity of your pool water. This is often done to balance the pH level of your pool (lowering the number). It is also done to control the total Alkalinity of the water.

Sulfuric acid has been used in swimming pools, though it tends to increase the level of Total Dissolved Solids quite rapidly. It also adds to unwanted sulfates in the pool water. It is used in pools where a few cents in the maintenance budget makes a difference but is NOT recommended, especially for public pools.

Learn about sulfuric acid for drain fields cesspools, here. Acid treatment for drain fields and cesspits has been the center of controversy for many years. This post will give the reader some insight into the pros and cons of using chemical additives in a drain fields, cesspits and cesspools.

Chemical additives such as caustic soda, hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid have all been used as chemical additives in the treatment of bio mat buildup in septic systems. These products have all been credited with restoring the leaching properties of failed septic system.

How To Work With Sulfuric Acid Safely

Find out how to purchase, use, handle, store, transport, clean up and dispose of sulfuric acid with a minimum of risk.

Information on sulfuric acid safety and hazards is available from The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), here.

Sulfuric acid safety precautions must be understood and used because this corrosive chemical is destructive to the skin, eyes, teeth, and lungs. Severe exposure can even result in death.

Information on sulfuric acid laboratory hazards, sulfuric acid dilution hazards and sulfuric acid industrial hazards are listed, here. 

Find out how sulfuric acid is used to produce other chemicals, as an industrial cleaning agent to remove oxidation, rust, and scaling from metals, here.

Learn how sulfuric acid is used as a catalyst in the chemistry industry, as an electrolyte in lead-acid batteries and as a drain cleaner, here.

The corrosiveness of sulfuric acid solutions is highly dependent on concentration, acid impurities and temperature.

Sulfuric acid (CAS Registry Number 7664-93-9), also known as hydrogen sulfate, is a highly corrosive, clear, colorless, odorless, strong mineral acid with the formula H2SO4. Download an occupational health guideline for sulfuric acid from the CDC, here.

     

    Watch How-To Sulfuric Acid Demonstration Videos On YouTube

     

    Sulfuric Acid Reactions

     

    How Sulfuric Acid Is Used In Manufacturing In the US

    Sulfuric acid is an important commercial chemical used to make fertilizers, explosives, dyestuffs and other chemicals. It is used in petroleum refining, ore processing, paper manufacturing, battery manufacturing, leather industries, printing and jewelry making. In some countries it is used in agriculture, as a desiccant on potatoes, flax and bulbs. It is used as a sanitizer for food processing and dairy facilities.

    EXPOSURE: Workers that use sulfuric acid may breathe in mists or have direct skin contact. The general population may be exposed to sulfuric acid when breathing in ambient air or dermal contact with products containing sulfuric acid, such as the material that forms on car battery terminals or battery acid itself. Sulfuric acid is formed when some types of toilet bowl cleaners mix with water. One chemical released when cutting onions mixes with the water in the eye to form sulfuric acid which causes tearing.

    If sulfuric acid is released to the environment, it will be broken down gradually in air. Sulfuric acid released to air will also be in or on particles that eventually fall to the ground. Sulfuric acid contributes to the formation of acid rain. It is expected to be broken down by sunlight. Sulfuric acid is present in the air mainly from the hydrolysis of sulfur oxides produced by combustion, both natural and burning coal, oil and gas. It will not move into air from moist soil and water surfaces. It is expected to move easily through soil. Under certain conditions it will be broken down by microorganisms. Sulfuric acid exposed to air is rapidly taken up by water and produces white fumes. Read more here.

     

    Occupational Sulfuric Acid Safety Information And Resources



    YouTube Video Titled "Sulfuric Acid Safety Information | Industrial Chemistry"
    Uploaded by iitutor.com on March 14, 2016

    Before working with sulfuric acid, individuals should be trained in its proper handling and storage and know how to use proper personal protective equipment, including protective gloves and chemical-resistant clothing and boots, splash-proof goggles, and respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for use with sulfuric acid.

     

    How To Handle, Store And Dispose Of Sulfuric Acid Safely

     

    Contact With Sulfuric Acid, Burns, Exposure Symptoms And Treatments

    • A sulfuric acid burn is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. 

    • If sulfuric acid makes direct contact with the eyes, it can cause permanent blindness. 

    • Stay safe by learning about symptoms of sulfuric acid exposure from the CDC, here. 

    • If you get sulfuric acid on you, flush your skin with soap and lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes. Do not scrub or rub your skin.

     

    Personal Protective Equipment For Sulfuric Acid

    December 18 2021 - Learn how to limit the risk of exposure to sulfuric acid in the workplace with the correct use of PPE (personal protective equipment) - Wear acid resistant protective clothing and gloves when you work with this corrosive substance in your laboratory, at your job or in your home.

     

    PPE Required For Sulfuric Acid

    • It is important to use personal protective equipment, eye and face protection when working with sulfuric acid. Wear chemical safety goggles and a face shield when contact with H₂SO₄ is possible.

    • Protect your skin from sulfuric acid by wearing chemical-resistant protective clothing, gloves, an apron, boots and an NIOSH approved respirator.

    • Learn how to limit the risk of exposure to sulfuric acid in the workplace with the correct use of PPE (personal protective equipment), here.

    • Carelessness causes sulfuric acid damage, skin burns and injuries in workplaces and in homes when this corrosive chemical is splashed on an uncovered face or eyes.

    • Wear acid resistant protective clothing and gloves when you work with this corrosive substance in your laboratory, at your job or in your home.

    Frequently Asked Sulfuric Acid Questions

    Q: What is sulfuric acid used for?
    A: In various concentrations, sulfuric acid is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, pigments, dyes, drugs, explosives, detergents, and inorganic salts and acids, as well as in petroleum refining and metallurgical processes. 

    Q: What are the main uses of sulfuric acid? 
    A: The major use of sulfuric acid is in the production of fertilizers, e.g., superphosphate of lime and ammonium sulfate. It is widely used in the manufacture of chemicals, e.g., in making hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfate salts, synthetic detergents, dyes and pigments, explosives, and drugs.

    Q: Is Sulfuric Acid Safe For Humans? 
    A: Sulfuric acid (H2S04) is a corrosive substance, destructive to the skin, eyes, teeth, and lungs. Concentrated sulfuric acid can catch fire or explode when it comes into contact with many chemicals including acetone, alcohols, and some finely divided metals. Severe exposure can result in death. Workers may be harmed from exposure to sulfuric acid. The level of exposure depends on dose, duration, and type of work being done.

    Q: Is Sulfuric Acid Good For Skin?
    A: Sulfuric acid is a very strong chemical that is corrosive. It causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Strong inorganic acid mists containing sulfuric acid are carcinogenic. Corrosive means it can cause severe burns and tissue damage when it comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes.

    Q: Where Is Sulfuric Acid Found?
    A: Sulfuric acid is found in battery acid and in Earth's acid rain. Pure sulfuric acid is not encountered naturally on Earth in anhydrous form, due to its great affinity for water. Dilute sulfuric acid is a constituent of acid rain, which is formed by atmospheric oxidation of sulfur dioxide in the presence of water – i.e., oxidation of sulfurous acid. When sulfur-containing fuels such as coal or oil are burned, sulfur dioxide is the main byproduct (besides the chief products carbon oxides and water).

    Sulfuric acid is formed naturally by the oxidation of sulfide minerals, such as iron sulfide. The resulting water can be highly acidic and is called acid mine drainage (AMD) or acid rock drainage (ARD). This acidic water is capable of dissolving metals present in sulfide ores, which results in brightly colored, toxic solutions.

    Q: How Do You Make Sulfuric Acid?
    A: Sulfuric acid is prepared industrially by the reaction of water with sulfur trioxide (see sulfur oxide), which in turn is made by chemical combination of sulfur dioxide and oxygen either by the contact process or the chamber process. Sulfuric acid is produced from sulfur, oxygen and water via the contact process.

    Q: What Can Sulfuric Acid Dissolve?
    A: Sulfuric acid is very reactive and dissolves most metals, it is a concentrated acid that oxidizes, dehydrates, or sulfonates most organic compounds, often causes charring. Sulfuric acid reacts violently with alcohol and water to release heat. Acidic water can dissolve metals present in sulfide ores, resulting in brightly colored and toxic streams.

    Q: Does 100% Sulfuric Acid Exist?
    A: Pure sulfuric acid does not exist naturally on Earth due to its strong affinity to water vapor; for this reason, it is hygroscopic and readily absorbs water vapor from the air. Sulfuric acid is sometimes referred to as the “king of chemicals” because it is produced worldwide in such large quantities. Although 100% sulfuric acid can be made, this loses SO3 at the boiling point to produce 98.3% acid. The 98% grade is also more stable for storage, making it the usual form for "concentrated" sulfuric acid. Other concentrations of sulfuric acid are used for different purposes.

    Q: Is Sulfuric Acid Used In Food?
    A: Sulfuric Acid is commonly used in the food industry for pH adjustment to inhibit growth of microbes and bacteria. In the food industry, sulfuric acid is stored in special tanks to prevent contamination. It is used in the production of food acids (PDF) and is a general purpose food additive.

    Q: What Products Contain Sulfuric Acid?
    A: Sulfuric acid is contained in car batteries (lead-acid batteries) and it is also contained in household products like drain and toilet bowl cleaners. Drain cleaners, aluminum cleaners, laundry detergent and dish detergents are common household products that contain sulfuric acid.

    Q: Do Batteries Contain Sulfuric Acid?
    Battery acid is sulfuric acid that has been diluted with water to attain a 37% concentration level. A typical lead–acid battery contains a mixture with varying concentrations of water and acid. Sulfuric acid is used in sealed lead acid batteries. When a lead acid battery is fully charged, the electrolyte is composed of a solution that consists of up to 40 percent sulfuric acid.

    Q: What Are Medicinal Uses Of Sulfuric Acid?
    A: Sulfuric acid in the production of drugs: Sulfuric acid can damage the cancerous cell DNA, hence used to manufacture chemotherapy drugs. Pure grades of sulfuric acid, such as USP grade, are used for making pharmaceuticals. Sulfuric acid is used as an ingredient in skin ointments to treat skin infections, such as canker sores.

    Q: What Happens If You Are Exposed To Sulfuric Acid?
    A: Exposure to sulfuric acid may occur through skin contact, eye contact, ingestion, and breathing contaminated air. Severe exposure can result in death. Sulfuric acid can cause severe skin burns, it can burn the eyes, burn holes in the stomach if swallowed, irritate the nose and throat, and cause difficulties breathing if inhaled.

    Q: What Should You Do If You Are Exposed To Sulfuric Acid?
    A: If you get sulfuric acid get on your skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If you inhale sulfuric acid aerosols, seek fresh air and medical attention immediately. If liquid sulfuric acid or solutions containing sulfuric acid penetrate through the clothing, remove the clothing immediately and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention immediately.

    Sulfuric Acid Shelf Life And Expiration Dates

    Because sulfuric acid is an inorganic chemical, it has essentially an "infinite" shelf life. Some ACS grade sulfuric acid products do not have an expiration date. They will remain intact until it is reacted with other chemicals.

    Sulfuric acid stays active for many years if it is stored properly. It is very stable and does not degrade or react unless it has contact with impurities or the atmosphere.

    Lab Alley Brand Sulfuric acid has a very long shelf life and is normally stable. Reactivity hazards and conditions to avoid are water, humidity and moisture.

    Sulfuric Acid For Gold Recovery

    Sulfuric acid is used for gold recovery from ic chips in E-waste recycling. Nitric acid (aqua fortis and spirit of niter), commercial grade concentration 68% in water, removes base metals and is used in aqua regia. Hydrochloric acid 32% is used in e-waste recycling and is the main part of aqua regia. Aqua Regia is a gold recovery chemical solution.

    Take the proper precautions when you buy sulfuric acid from Lab Alley to recover gold from sludges, printed circuit boards or electronic scrap (waste).

    It is important to use sulfuric acid safely for refining gold with sulfuric acid. Care must be taken when operating sulfuric acid stripping cells to harvest gold from gold plated jewelry and refining it to a high purity. 

    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed when working with sulfuric acid during metal processing operations. The Lab Alley brands of analytical reagent grade sulfuric acid (ACS) are commonly used for leaching pre-treatments for gold recovery.

    Extreme caution must be exercised when working with high concentrations of sulfuric acid. To be extremely safe when using high concentrations of sulfuric acid to recover gold, be sure to wear a face shield, safety goggles, chemical gloves, an acid suit and chemical boots.

    Eye protection, chemical resistant gloves, chemical resistant boots and face shields are highly recommended when working with sulfuric acid in significant quantities. Even the low concentrations of sulfuric acid used for plumbing to clean drains and toilets can cause harm from exposure. Learn how to handle sulfuric acid in bulk, here.

    Sulfuric Acid For pH Adjustment And Neutralization For Water Treatment

    Sulfuric acid is commonly used for neutralizing acids or bases but caution must be used for pH adjust applications as an exothermic reaction will occur generating heat.

    Available in concentrations ranging from 0% to 98% sulfuric is also the least expensive acid to use. Sulfuric acid is used almost universally for neutralization reactions. It is easier and safer to use than HCl or HNO3 and is more potent than all of the other acids except for phosphoric.

    Sulfuric Acid In The Workplace

    Examples of How Sulfuric Acid is Applied in the Workplace

    • Metal Processing
    • Lead-Acid Battery Production
    • Farm Harvests
    • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

    How Sulfuric Acid Exposure Harms Workers

    • Skin Contact
    • Eye Contact
    • Ingestion
    • Inhalation

    Best Safety Practices When Working with Battery Acid

    • Handling
    • Storage
    • Clean-Up

    What PPE Should Be Worn When Working with Battery Acid?

    Learn About Sulfuric And Other Acids At Wikipedia

     

    Sulfuric Acid Chemical 3D Structure Model Depiction

    December 14 2021 - Sulfuric Acid Chemical 3D Structure Model Depiction 3D Conformer With Hydrogens

    Sulfuric Acid 2D Chemical Structure Depiction

    December 14 2021 - Sulfuric Acid 2D Chemical Structure Depiction

    Sulfuric Acid Chemical Properties, Hazards And Uses

    Sulfuric Acid Accidents In The News


    Information About Sulfuric Acid From Wikipedia

    Sulfuric acid (alternative spelling sulphuric acid), also known as vitriol, is a mineral acid composed of the elements sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen, with molecular formula H2SO4.

    It is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid that is soluble in water and is synthesized in reactions that are highly exothermic.

    Its corrosiveness can be mainly ascribed to its strong acidic nature, and, if at a high concentration, its dehydrating and oxidizing properties.

    It is also hygroscopic, readily absorbing water vapor from the air. Upon contact, sulfuric acid can cause severe chemical burns and even secondary thermal burns; it is very dangerous even at lower concentrations. 

    Sulfuric acid is a very important commodity chemical, and a nation's sulfuric acid production is a good indicator of its industrial strength.

    It is widely produced with different methods, such as contact process, wet sulfuric acid process, lead chamber process and some other methods.

    Sulfuric acid is also a key substance in the chemical industry. It is most commonly used in fertilizer manufacture, but is also important in mineral processing, oil refining, wastewater processing, and chemical synthesis.

    It has a wide range of end applications including in domestic acidic drain cleaners, as an electrolyte in lead-acid batteries, in dehydrating a compound, and in various cleaning agents. Read more here.

    Typical Grades, Concentrations And Common Names For Sulfuric Acid

    • Diluted Sulfuric Acid Is <29% Concentration
    • Battery Acid (used in lead–acid batteries) Is 29–32% Concentration
    • Chamber Acid Or Fertilizer Acid Is 62–70% Concentration
    • Tower Acid Or Glover Acid Is 78–80% Concentration
    • 66 °Bé ("66-degree Baumé") Acid Is 93.2% Concentration
    • Concentrated Sulfuric Acid Is 98.3% Concentration

    Alternative Names And Synonyms For Sulfuric Acid

    Synonyms include Oil of Vitriol (OV), Vitriolic acid, Hydrogen sulfate, and Oleum. It is also spelled sulphuric acid.

    Sulfuric Acid Identifiers

    • CAS Number: 7664-93-9
    • 3D model (JSmol) Interactive image
    • ChEBI: CHEBI:26836
    • ChEMBL: ChEMBL572964
    • ChemSpider: 1086
    • ECHA InfoCard: 100.028.763
    • EC Number: 231-639-5
    • E number: E513 (acidity regulators, ...)
    • Gmelin Reference: 2122
    • KEGG: D05963
    • PubChem CID: 1118
    • RTECS number: WS5600000
    • UNII: O40UQP6WCF
    • UN number: 1830
    • CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID5029683

    Overview Of Sulfuric Acid 

    Sulfuric acid is the most commonly used chemical for reducing pH in water treatment, although carbon dioxide is also sometimes used under certain circumstances, particularly in conjunction with lime to increase alkalinity. Read more here.

    Sulfuric Acid Is Corrosive To All Body Tissues

    Sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive to all body tissues. It is corrosive and irritating and causes direct local effects on the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tracts after direct exposure.

    It causes rapid tissue destruction and serious chemical burns on contact with the skin or eyes. Skin or eye contact requires immediate first aid. Inhalation of sulfuric acid mist or fumes may produce irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory tract.

    Sulfuric Acid Structure

    Formula and structure: The chemical formula of sulfuric acid is H2SO4 and its molecular weight is 98.079 g/mol. Its chemical structure is shown below. The sulfur atom is bound to two oxygen atoms through double bonds, and two hydroxyl groups (OH) through single bonds. Read more here.

    Concentrated Sulfuric Acid With Sodium Iodide 

    Sodium iodide react with sulfuric acid to produce iodine, hydrogen sulfide, sodium bisulfate and water. Sulfuric acid - concentrated solution. This reaction takes place at a temperature of 30-50°C.

    How Does Hydrogen Bromide [HBr] React With Concentrated Sulfuric Acid? 

    Hydrogen bromide react with sulfuric acid to produce bromine, sulfur dioxide and water. Sulfuric acid and hydrogen bromide - concentrated solutions.

    Sulfuric Acid With Sodium Hydroxide

    2NaOH + H2SO4 = Na2SO4 + 2H2O. If there is insufficient amount of NaOH, sodium bisulphate will also be formed. NaOH + H2SO4 = NaHSO4 +H2O. The reaction is highly exothermic as enormous amount of heat is liberated. Read more here.

    Why Concentrated Sulfuric Acid Is Used In Esterification

    Esterification is a relatively slow process at room temperature and does not proceed to completion. Concentrated sulfuric acid is used as a catalyst, and has a dual role: Speeds up the reaction. Acts as a dehydrating agent, forcing the equilibrium to the right and resulting in a greater yield of ester. 

    Sulfuric acid is needed as a catalyst in an esterification reaction. Sulfuric acid provides the hydronium ions that protonate the carbonyl oxygen and make the carbonyl carbon a better electrophile. Even if you are using concentrated sulfuric acid, it contains 2 % water, so hydronium ions are present.

    Information On Sulfurc Acid From PubChem

    Sulfuric acid is a colorless oily liquid. It is soluble in water with release of heat. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. It will char wood and most other organic matter on contact, but is unlikely to cause a fire. Density 15 lb / gal. Long term exposure to low concentrations or short term exposure to high concentrations can result in adverse health effects from inhalation.

    It is used to make fertilizers and other chemicals, in petroleum refining, in iron and steel production, and for many other uses. Rate of onset: Immediate Persistence: Hours, days Odor threshold: Source/use/other hazard: Battery/dyes/paper/glue/metals industries; volcanic gas; toxic fumes when heated.

    Sulfuric acid is a sulfur oxoacid that consists of two oxo and two hydroxy groups joined covalently to a central sulfur atom. It has a role as a catalyst. It is a conjugate acid of a hydrogensulfate. Sulfuric acid, spent appears as a black oily liquid. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Density 15 lb /gal. Read more here.

    Sulfuric Acid With Water

    When you mix concentrated sulfuric acid and water, you pour the acid into a larger volume of water.  Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) reacts very vigorously with water in a highly exothermic reaction. If you add water to concentrated sulfuric acid, it can boil and spit and you may get a nasty acid burn. Read more here.

    Information About Sulfuric Acid 

    • Sulfuric Acid Description: Sulfuric acid is a colorless oily liquid. It is soluble in water with release of heat. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. It will char wood and most other organic matter. It is a colorless, odorless, and syrupy liquid that is soluble in water and is synthesized in reactions that are highly exothermic.
    • Alternate Names: ‎Battery Acid, Oil Of Vitriol, Sulphuric Acid, Vitriol, Hydrogen Sulfate, Spirit Of Vitriol
    • Sulfuric Acid Grades: ACS Reagent Grade, Technical Grade, Laboratory Grade, Analytical Reagent (AR) Grade
    • Sulfuric acid is inorganic because it doesn't contain carbon atoms bonded to oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen atoms.
    • Mineral Acid: Sulfuric acid (alternative spelling sulphuric acid), also known as vitriol, is a mineral acid composed of the elements sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen, with molecular formula H2 SO4. It is a colorless, odorless, and syrupy liquid that is soluble in water and is synthesized in reactions that are highly exothermic.
    • How To Make Sulfuric Acid At Home: Sulfuric acid is a useful acid to have on hand for a variety of home chemistry projects.
    • The Power of Sulfuric Acid - Cool Science Demo (Video)
    • Sulfuric Acid - Periodic Table of Videos (Video)
    • Bulk Sulfuric Acid For Sale: Lab Alley, headquartered in Austin, Texas is a supplier and distributor of concentrated sulfuric acid. Call 512-668-18 to inquire about wholesale prices for bulk orders of concentrated sulfuric acid.
    • LabAlley.com/collections/sulfuric-acid is where to buy sulfuric acid for batteries.
    • Buy gold recovery chemicals and gold refining chemicals online at LabAlley.com/pages/Buy-Gold-Recovery-Chemicals. 

    Identification Of Sulfuric Acid

    Sulfuric acid is a dense, oily liquid that can be colorless to brown, depending on the purity. It can also exist as ice- or fiber-like crystals or as a gas. Sulfuric acid is also called battery acid. It is odorless with a strong acid taste. Sulfuric acid reacts violently with water, generating much heat. It is highly corrosive. Read more here.

    Sulfuric Acid | Structure, Formula, Uses, & Facts

    Sulfuric acid, sulfuric also spelled sulphuric (H2SO4), also called oil of vitriol, or hydrogen sulfate, dense, colorless, oily, corrosive liquid; one of the most important of all chemicals, prepared industrially by the reaction of water with sulfur trioxide (see sulfur oxide), which in turn is made by chemical combination of sulfur dioxide and oxygen either by the contact process or the chamber process.

    In various concentrations the acid is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, pigments, dyes, drugs, explosives, detergents, and inorganic salts and acids, as well as in petroleum refining and metallurgical processes.

    In one of its most familiar applications, sulfuric acid serves as the electrolyte in lead–acid storage batteries. Pure sulfuric acid has a specific gravity of 1.830 at 25 °C (77 °F); it freezes at 10.37 °C (50.7 °F).

    When heated, the pure acid partially decomposes into water and sulfur trioxide; the latter escapes as a vapour until the concentration of the acid falls to 98.3 percent. This mixture of sulfuric acid and water boils at a constant temperature of 338 °C (640 °F) at one atmosphere pressure. Sulfuric acid is commonly supplied at concentrations of 78, 93, or 98 percent.

    Sulfuric acid is a very strong acid; in aqueous solutions it ionizes completely to form hydronium ions (H3O+) and hydrogen sulfate ions (HSO4−). In dilute solutions the hydrogen sulfate ions also dissociate, forming more hydronium ions and sulfate ions (SO42−).

    In addition to being an oxidizing agent, reacting readily at high temperatures with many metals, carbon, sulfur, and other substances, concentrated sulfuric acid is also a strong dehydrating agent, combining violently with water; in this capacity, it chars many organic materials, such as wood, paper, or sugar, leaving a carbonaceous residue.

    The term fuming sulfuric acid, or oleum, is applied to solutions of sulfur trioxide in 100 percent sulfuric acid; these solutions, commonly containing 20, 40, or 65 percent sulfur trioxide, are used for the preparation of organic chemicals. Read more here.

    Sulfuric Acid With Sodium Hydroxide

    2NaOH + H2SO4 = Na2SO4 + 2H2O. If there is insufficient amount of NaOH, sodium bisulphate will also be formed. NaOH + H2SO4 = NaHSO4 +H2O. The reaction is highly exothermic as enormous amount of heat is liberated. Read more here.

    Sulfuric Acid With Potassium Hydroxide

    Potassium hydroxide reacts with sulfuric acid. ... the reactants are potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. the products are potassium sulfate and water. the word equation is: potassium hydroxide + sulfuric acid → potassium sulfate + water. Read more here.

    Sulfuric Acid With Hydrochloric Acid

    The strength of reaction and the extent of oxidation will depend on concentration of H2SO4 both hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid are just ions dissolved in water at a certain percentage (i.e. 30%) So, mixing them will just be an aqueous solution, say 15%HCl and 20%H2SO4, a stronger or a weaker acid depending on the ratios you mix it in and the original concentration of each. Read more here.

    Grades Of Sulfuric Acid

    • Mass fraction H2SO4: <29%, Density (kg/L): 1.00-1.25, Common Name: diluted sulfuric acid
    • Mass fraction H2SO4: 29–32%, Density (kg/L): 1.25–1.28, Common Name: battery acid (used in lead–acid batteries)
    • Mass fraction H2SO4: 62–70%, Density (kg/L): 1.52–1.60, Common Name: chamber acid fertilizer acid
    • Mass fraction H2SO4: 78–80%, Density (kg/L): 1.70–1.73, Common Name: tower acid, Glover acid

     How Dangerous Is Sulfuric Acid?

    Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive chemical that is potentially explosive in concentrated form. It can cause severe skin burns, can irritate the nose and throat and cause difficulties breathing if inhaled, can burn the eyes and possibly cause blindness, and can burn holes in the stomach if swallowed. Read more here.

    Sulfuric Acid Structure

    Formula and structure: The chemical formula of sulfuric acid is H2SO4 and its molecular weight is 98.079 g/mol. Its chemical structure is shown here. The sulfur atom is bound to two oxygen atoms through double bonds, and two hydroxyl groups (OH) through single bonds.

    Sulfuric Acid PH

    Since sulfuric acid is a strong acid, a 0.50 M solution of sulfuric acid has a pH close to zero. For more information on sulfuric acid PH values, click here.

    Sulfuric Acid Discovery And History

    Today, it is generally considered that sulfuric acid was first called oil of vitriol when Islamic alchemist, astronomer, and physicist Jabir ibn Hayyan (c. 721−c. 815) discovered it in the eighth century. European alchemists also called it oil of vitriol, along with spirit of vitriol and vitriol.

    The discovery of sulfuric acid is credited to the 8th century alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan. It was studied later by the 9th century physician and alchemist Ibn Zakariya al-Razi (Rhases).