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Sulfuric Acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
H2SO4
CAS number
7664-93-9
IUPAC name
sulfuric acid;sulfur trioxide
State
State

At room temperature, sulfuric acid is a liquid.

Melting point (Celsius)
10.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
283.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
337.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
610.15
General information
Molecular weight
98.08g/mol
Molar mass
98.0790g/mol
Density
1.8400g/cm3
Appearence

Sulfuric acid is a colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid which is odorless.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)

Sulfuric acid is known for its high solubility in water. When it comes into contact with water, it readily dissolves, resulting in a highly exothermic reaction. This property is critical for its applications in laboratories and industries. Key points regarding its solubility include:

  • Complete Miscibility: Sulfuric acid mixes completely with water in any proportion.
  • Heat Release: The dissolution process is accompanied by the release of heat, which can be hazardous if not managed properly.
  • Concentration Variability: The concentration of the sulfuric acid solution impacts its properties and uses.
  • Safety Precautions: Due to its corrosive nature, appropriate protective measures should be taken when handling sulfuric acid, especially during dilution.

Solubility of Sulfur Trioxide (SO3)

Sulfur trioxide exhibits a different solubility behavior compared to sulfuric acid. It is highly soluble in water, but the reaction is vigorous and often produces sulfuric acid. Some important aspects of its solubility are:

  • Reactivity: When SO3 reacts with water, it forms H2SO4 rapidly, making its solubility in water explosive under certain conditions.
  • Gas to Liquid: As a gas at room temperature, sulfur trioxide must be handled with care, especially when converting it into a liquid form by dissolving in water.
  • Importance: This characteristic makes it a significant player in the production of sulfuric acid on an industrial scale.

In summary, both compounds exhibit high solubility in water, but while sulfuric acid dissolves with heat and caution needs to be exercised, sulfur trioxide's dissolution is associated with a highly exothermic reaction that rapidly results in the formation of sulfuric acid. Always ensure the right safety protocols are in place when working with these substances!

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid, a highly versatile and widely used chemical compound, is known for its essential role in various industrial processes. It is often referred to as the “king of chemicals” because of its vast application range. Here are some fascinating facts about this powerful acid:

  • Industrial Significance: Sulfuric acid is crucial for the manufacture of fertilizers, particularly ammonium sulfate, which is a vital nutrient for plants.
  • Electrochemical Applications: It is a key component in lead-acid batteries, which power vehicles and various electronic devices, showcasing its importance in energy storage technology.
  • Manufacturing & Synthesis: This acid is utilized in the production of various chemicals, including nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and synthetic detergents.
  • Dehydrating Agent: Sulfuric acid has an exceptional ability to remove water from substances, which can lead to dramatic reactions; for example, adding it to sugar will produce carbon and water vapor, demonstrating an exothermic reaction.

Safety Precautions

Despite its utility, sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive and hazardous substance. Proper safety measures are critical when handling this acid:

  • Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles.
  • Ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful vapors.
  • Never add water directly to sulfuric acid, as this can lead to violent reactions; instead, always add acid to water.

In conclusion, sulfuric acid remains a fundamental compound with a wide array of applications, making it a subject of great interest for chemists and industrial workers alike. Its powerful properties underscore the importance of respect and caution in its use.

Synonyms
OLEUM
Fuming sulfuric acid
Sulfuric acid, fuming
8014-95-7
Sulfuric acid (fuming)
Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric acid)
HSDB 1236
UN1831
Sulfuric acid, mixt with sulfur trioxide
Sulfur trioxide, mixt. with sulfuric acid
Sulfuric acid, mixt. with sulfur trioxide
Pyrosulphuric acid
SULPHURIC ACID, FUMING
DTXSID5064889
SULFUR TRIOXIDE, MIXT. CONTAINING
Mixture of sulfuric acid and sulfur trioxide
oleum...% SO3, 20%<=conc SO3<=65%
Sulfuric acid, mixt. with sulfur trioxide (solution)
616-954-1
7783-05-3
Sulfuric acid fuming
Oleum iodisum
Sulfuric acid, fuming, 26-29%
MFCD00137792
OLEUM [HSDB]
67PNC7P6RU
sulfuric acid sulfur trioxide
sulfuric acid;sulfur trioxide
Oleum 65% by weight or more free sulfur trioxide (SO3)
SULFURIC ACID, FUMING [MI]
AKOS032949926
SULFUR TRIOXIDE, MIXT. CONTG.
Sulfuric acid, fuming > or =30% free sulfur trioxide [UN1831] [Corrosive]
Sulfuric acid, fuming <30% free sulfur trioxide
Sulfuric acid, fuming, puriss. p.a., 20% SO3
Sulfuric acid, compd. with sulfur trioxide (1:1)
Sulfuric acid, extra pure, fuming, 20-30% free SO3
Sulfuric acid, fuming > or =30% free sulfur trioxide
Sulfuric acid, fuming, JIS special grade, 30.0-33.0%
Sulfuric acid, fuming, JIS special grade, 60.0-63.0%
Sulfuric acid, fuming, ACS reagent, 15% free SO3 basis
Sulfuric acid, fuming, ACS reagent, 20% free SO3 basis
Sulfuric acid, fuming, ACS reagent, 30% free SO3 basis
Sulfuric acid, fuming, reagent grade, 20% free SO3 basis
Sulfuric acid, fuming, reagent grade, 30% free SO3 basis
Sulfuric acid, fuming <30% free sulfur trioxide [UN1831] [Corrosive]
Sulfuric acid, fuming, reagent grade, 65.5-68.0% free SO3 basis (with NaOH)