Sulphuric acid

1. Sulphuric Acid Sulphuric Acid Contact Process (Sulphuric Acid) Properties Uses Jovian Mahon Paul McFarlane Chavez West Asbown Powell

2. Sulphuric Acid Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive strong mineral acid with the molecular formula H2SO4 . The historical name of this acid is oil of vitriol . It is a colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid and is soluble in water at all concentrations. The corrosiveness of it is mainly due to its strong acidic nature, strong dehydrating property and if concentrated strong oxidizing property.

3. Contact Process Sulphuric acid is made by burning sulphur. The sulphur dioxide given off is then reacted with a catalyst at high temperature to give sulphur trioxide . This can then be absorbed to give the acid. Depending on its intended use, it can be further diluted with water. This method of manufacture is called the Contact Process .

4. More on the Contact Process The contact process is the current method of producing sulphuric acid in the high concentrations needed for industrial processes. Platinum was formerly employed as a catalyst for the reaction, but as it is susceptible to poisoning by arsenic impurities in the sulphur feedstock, vanadium(V) oxide (V2O5) is now preferred. The process can be divided into five stages : combining of sulphur and oxygen; purifying sulphur dioxide in the purification unit; adding excess of oxygen to sulphur dioxide in presence of catalyst vanadium oxide; sulphur trioxide formed is added to sulphuric acid which gives rise to oleum ( disulphuric acid); the oleum then is added to water to form sulphuric acid which is very concentrated.

5. Properties of Sulphuric Acid It is non flammable under normal conditions Highly reactive Releases toxic and irritating fumes when heated to decomposition Gas-tight protective suits with breathing apparatus required for fuming acid Short-term inhalation may result in irritation of eyes and nose with sore throat, cough, Short-term ingestion results in burns to the mouth and throat Short-term skin exposure can result in irritation, swelling or burns Short-term eye exposure may cause swelling, watering and sensitivity to light Long-term inhalation leads to inflammation of the lungs and dental decay Sulphuric acid mists are carcinogens to humans. Sulphuric acid solutions are not considered to be carcinogens.

6. Uses Sulphuric acid is used in many industries. It is used in the production of: Fertilizers Rubber Detergents Dyes S ome pharmaceuticals O il refining.