Difference between revisions of "Sulfuric acid"

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'''Sulfuric acid''' (alternative spelling '''sulphuric acid'''), represented by the molecular formula H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>, is one of the most important [[acid]]s in chemistry and the most important chemical to industries in the world. It is the strongest easily available acid, with a [[Measures of acidity|pK<sub>a</sub>]] of -3.
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| Name = Sulfuric acid
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| Reference =
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| IUPACName = Sulfuric acid
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| PIN = Sulfuric acid
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| SystematicName = Sulfuric acid
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| OtherNames = Battery acid<br>Dihydrogen sulfate<br>Oil of vitriol<br>Spirit of vitriol<br>Sulphuric acid
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| ImageCaption = Structure of sulfuric acid
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| Section1 = {{Chembox Identifiers
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| Section2 = {{Chembox Properties
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| AtmosphericOHRateConstant =
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| Appearance = Colorless oily liquid
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| BoilingPt =
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| BoilingPtC = 337
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| BoilingPt_ref =
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| BoilingPt_notes = (above 300 °C slowly decomposes)
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| Density = 1.84 g/cm<sup>3</sup>
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| Formula = H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>
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| HenryConstant =
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| MolarMass = 98.079 g/mol
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| MeltingPtC = 10
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| Odor = Odorless (air above it may feel dry due to its strong hygroscopicity)
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| pKa = −3;1.99
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| Solubility = Miscible
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| SolubleOther = Reacts with [[amine]]s<br>Miscible with [[alcohol]]s<br>Immiscible with hydrocarbons
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| DeltaHf = −814 kJ·mol<sup>−1</sup>
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| Entropy = 157 J·mol<sup>−1</sup>·K<sup>−1</sup>
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| AutoignitionPt = Non-flammable
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| ExternalMSDS = [https://www.fishersci.com/msdsproxy%3FproductName%3DA300700LB%26productDescription%3DSULFURIC%2BAC%2BACS%2B700LB%26catNo%3DA300-700LB%26vendorId%3DVN00033897%26storeId%3D10652 FisherSci]
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| FlashPt = Non-flammable
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| LD50 = 2.140 mg/kg (rat, oral)
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| LC50 = 50 mg/m<sup>3</sup> (guinea pig, 8 hr)<br>510 mg/m<sup>3</sup> (rat, 2 hr)<br>320 mg/m<sup>3</sup> (mouse, 2 hr)<br>18 mg/m<sup>3</sup> (guinea pig)
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| MainHazards = Corrosive
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| OtherCompounds = [[Sulfurous acid]]<br>[[Sulfur trioxide]]
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'''Sulfuric acid''' (alternative spelling '''sulphuric acid'''), represented by the molecular formula '''H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>''', is one of the most important [[acid]]s in chemistry and the most important chemical to industries in the world. It is the strongest easily available acid, with a [[Measures of acidity|pK<sub>a</sub>]] of -3.
  
 
==Properties==
 
==Properties==
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Sulfuric acid is a diprotic acid, it is able to give away two protons (H<sup>+</sup>). It first dissociates to form [[hydronium]] and [[hydrogen sulfate]], with a pKa of -3, indicative of a strong acid:
 
Sulfuric acid is a diprotic acid, it is able to give away two protons (H<sup>+</sup>). It first dissociates to form [[hydronium]] and [[hydrogen sulfate]], with a pKa of -3, indicative of a strong acid:
  
−
:H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O → H<sub>3</sub>O + HSO<sub>4</sub><sup>−</sup>
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: H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O → H<sub>3</sub>O + HSO<sub>4</sub><sup>−</sup>
  
−
The second dissociation forms sulfate and another hydronium ion from a hydrogen sulfate ion. It has a pKa of 1.99, indicative of a weak acid, and occurs like this:   
+
The second dissociation forms sulfate and another hydronium ion from a hydrogen sulfate ion. It has a pKa of 1.99, indicative of a mid-strength acid, and occurs like this:   
  
−
:HSO<sub>4</sub><sup>−</sup> + H<sub>2</sub>O ⇌ H<sub>3</sub>O<sup>+</sup> + SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2-</sup>
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: HSO<sub>4</sub><sup>−</sup> + H<sub>2</sub>O ⇌ H<sub>3</sub>O<sup>+</sup> + SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2-</sup>
  
−
Concentrated sulfuric acid also has a strong oxidizing effect, converting nonmetals such as [[carbon]] and [[sulfur]] to [[carbon dioxide]] and [[sulfur dioxide]], respectively, reducing sulfuric acid into sulfur dioxide and water in the process. This property is useful for producing large amounts of sulfur dioxide for use as a reducing agent if water is continually removed.
+
Concentrated sulfuric acid also has a strong oxidizing effect, converting nonmetals such as [[carbon]] and [[sulfur]] to [[carbon dioxide]] and [[sulfur dioxide]], respectively, reducing sulfuric acid into sulfur dioxide and water in the process.
  
−
Sulfuric acid is sufficiently strong enough to protonate [[nitric acid]], forming the nitronium ion, which can be used in a nitration mixture to make [[Alkyl nitrates|alkyl nitrates]].
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: 2 H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> + C → CO<sub>2</sub> + SO<sub>2</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O + H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>
 +
 
 +
: 2 H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> + S → 2 SO<sub>2</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O + H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>
 +
 
 +
This property is useful for producing large amounts of sulfur dioxide for use as a reducing agent if water is continually removed. Heat accelerates this process.
 +
 
 +
Sulfuric acid is sufficiently strong enough to protonate [[nitric acid]], forming the nitronium ion, which can be used in a nitration mixture to make [[alkyl nitrate]]s.
  
 
In organic chemistry, sulfuric acid is the most practical acid in most cases where a source of H<sub>3</sub>O<sup>+</sup> ions are needed as it introduces the least amount of water. Organic compounds are often easily attacked by the nucleophiles left behind by the dissociation of acids such as HCl which leaves Cl<sup>-</sup> ions behind which can easily attack many organic compounds. However, the [[sulfate]] ions left behind by the dissociation of sulfuric acid are far less reactive than the ions left behind by most acids, it allows to protonate the reaction mixture without causing undesired side reactions in most cases.
 
In organic chemistry, sulfuric acid is the most practical acid in most cases where a source of H<sub>3</sub>O<sup>+</sup> ions are needed as it introduces the least amount of water. Organic compounds are often easily attacked by the nucleophiles left behind by the dissociation of acids such as HCl which leaves Cl<sup>-</sup> ions behind which can easily attack many organic compounds. However, the [[sulfate]] ions left behind by the dissociation of sulfuric acid are far less reactive than the ions left behind by most acids, it allows to protonate the reaction mixture without causing undesired side reactions in most cases.
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[[File:H2so4boil.jpg|thumb|342px|Boiling point of H2SO4 VS concentration]]
 
[[File:H2so4boil.jpg|thumb|342px|Boiling point of H2SO4 VS concentration]]
  
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Sulfuric acid is a oily liquid at room temperature. It is colorless, but often has a very light yellow color when slightly contaminated with iron ions. Even very small amounts of dissolved organic matter can change the color of concentrated sulfuric acid to pale yellow or pink, red, brown, and even black. It is commonly sold diluted at around 35% w/w with water as car battery acid and concentrated between 95% and 98% w/w as drain cleaner.
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Sulfuric acid is a oily liquid at room temperature. It is colorless, but often has a very light yellow color when slightly contaminated with iron or carbon from organic matter like dust. Even very small amounts of dissolved organic matter can change the color of concentrated sulfuric acid to pale yellow or pink, red, brown, and even black. It is commonly sold diluted at around 35% w/w with water as car battery acid and concentrated between 95% and 98% w/w as drain cleaner.
  
 
Sulfuric acid's boiling point raises with the concentration as described in this figure to the right. An [[azeotrope]] forms at 98% w/w.
 
Sulfuric acid's boiling point raises with the concentration as described in this figure to the right. An [[azeotrope]] forms at 98% w/w.
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==Sources, production, and concentration==
 
==Sources, production, and concentration==
 
Sulfuric acid is a commonly used chemical for lead-acid batteries and drain cleaning. Battery acid can often be found at an auto store or a department store, and is approximately 35% sulfuric acid by weight. This is sufficient for most amateur chemists. If more concentrated sulfuric acid is desired, one can look in hardware stores for drain cleaner, which can be over 90% sulfuric acid by weight. For safety purposes, this concentration of sulfuric acid may have a dye in it. Other forms of sulfuric acid may be contaminated with various chemicals and will appear yellow, black, red.
 
Sulfuric acid is a commonly used chemical for lead-acid batteries and drain cleaning. Battery acid can often be found at an auto store or a department store, and is approximately 35% sulfuric acid by weight. This is sufficient for most amateur chemists. If more concentrated sulfuric acid is desired, one can look in hardware stores for drain cleaner, which can be over 90% sulfuric acid by weight. For safety purposes, this concentration of sulfuric acid may have a dye in it. Other forms of sulfuric acid may be contaminated with various chemicals and will appear yellow, black, red.
 +
 +
However, there is at least [http://www.cormen.cz/p/921/5663/cleamen-420-odpady-sanitarni one brand] of drain cleaner which is ~95% sulfuric acid, without any additives of dyes.
  
 
For some amateurs, it can be hard to find concentrated sulfuric acid, with acid drain cleaners being banned (as a result of [[wikipedia:Acid_throwing|acid throwing]] or illicit drug manufacture) or very contaminated in some countries. So here we shall provide a concise list of available methods of making sulfuric acid.
 
For some amateurs, it can be hard to find concentrated sulfuric acid, with acid drain cleaners being banned (as a result of [[wikipedia:Acid_throwing|acid throwing]] or illicit drug manufacture) or very contaminated in some countries. So here we shall provide a concise list of available methods of making sulfuric acid.
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The most well-tested method of concentrating sulfuric acid is described in a sub-article: [[Boiling the Bat]].
 
The most well-tested method of concentrating sulfuric acid is described in a sub-article: [[Boiling the Bat]].
  
−
* If you have technical grade sulfuric acid of concentrations from 80% to 94%, it can be converted to the pure compound by Zintl-Karyakin distillation. This process yields sulfuric acid of the highest quality and of concentration above the azeotrope. However, it is demanding in terms of glassware and very risky if performed at home. To perform this distillation, you need [[chromium trioxide]] or a dichromate salt (any will do) that will work as an azeotrope breaker. Add this to a round-bottom flask, pour the acid in and connect it to an air-cooled condenser. Put thermal insulation (asbestos, rockwool) on the flask and start heating it. Discard the first few grams of the distillate, until its density reaches 1.84; collect every drop after that. This gives pure sulfuric acid with concentration above 98%. Beware of any spillage of hexavalent chromium, it's a carcinogen! If such a spillage occurs, neutralize it with any reducing solution such as [[potassium iodide]].
+
* If you have technical grade sulfuric acid of concentrations from 80% to 94%, it can be converted to the pure compound by Zintl-Karyakin distillation. This process yields sulfuric acid of the highest quality and of concentration above the azeotrope. However, it is demanding in terms of glassware and very risky if performed at home. To perform this distillation, you need [[chromium trioxide]] or a dichromate salt (any will do, ''except ammonium'': ammonium dichromate will decompose on heating, and you'll have green murky acid contaminated with chromium (III) oxide and chromium sulfate) that will work as an azeotrope breaker. Add this to a round-bottom flask, pour the acid in and connect it to an air-cooled condenser. Put thermal insulation (asbestos, rockwool) on the flask and start heating it. Discard the first few grams of the distillate, until its density reaches 1.84; collect every drop after that. This gives pure sulfuric acid with concentration above 98%. Beware of any spillage of hexavalent chromium, it's a carcinogen! If such a spillage occurs, neutralize it with any reducing solution such as [[potassium iodide]].
  
−
It is possible to further concentrate sulfuric acid by adding [[sulfur trioxide]], which reacts with the remaining water to form pure sulfuric acid. Sulfur trioxide can continue to be added to the solution to form [[oleum]], which fumes in air to form sulfuric acid droplets. When an equimolar concentration of sulfuric acid and sulfur trioxide are added, it forms [[pyrosulfuric acid]], which is a solid at room temperature.
+
It is possible to further concentrate sulfuric acid by adding [[sulfur trioxide]], which reacts with the remaining water to form pure sulfuric acid. Sulfur trioxide can continue to be added to the solution to form [[oleum]], which fumes in air to form sulfuric acid droplets. When an equimolar concentration of sulfuric acid and sulfur trioxide are added, it forms [[pyrosulfuric acid]], which is a solid at room temperature. Sulfur trioxide can easily be obtained through the pyrolysis of [[copper(II) sulfate]].
  
 
==Projects==
 
==Projects==
−
* Producing metal sulfates
+
* Preparation of metal sulfates
−
* Producing nitro compounds through [[nitration]]
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* Preparation of nitro compounds through [[nitration]]
 
* The dehydration of [[sucrose]] to produce elemental [[carbon]]
 
* The dehydration of [[sucrose]] to produce elemental [[carbon]]
−
* E[[Esterification|sterifications]] that require a dehydrating agent, such as that of [[methyl salicylate]]
+
* [[Esterification]]s that require a dehydrating agent, such as that of [[methyl salicylate]]
−
* Making simple [[rayon]] fibers with [[schweizer's reagent|Schweizer's reagent]] and [[cellulose]]
+
* Making simple [[rayon]] fibers with [[Schweizer's reagent]] and [[cellulose]]
 
* Producing other concentrated acids by reaction of sulfuric acid with an anhydrous salt, such as in the production of fuming [[nitric acid]] and glacial [[acetic acid]]
 
* Producing other concentrated acids by reaction of sulfuric acid with an anhydrous salt, such as in the production of fuming [[nitric acid]] and glacial [[acetic acid]]
  
 
==Handling==
 
==Handling==
 
===Safety===
 
===Safety===
−
[[File:Corrosive.png|thumb|left|Corrosive]] While low concentration sulfuric acid is relatively safe to work with (under 40% w/w)), concentrated sulfuric acid (over 90% w/w) is extremely corrosive and dangerous. It does not only causes chemical burns, it also causes burns by dehydration of organic materials (like skin), destroying the molecules to form water with the -OH groups in them. Safety measures should be taken and all skin should be covered when working with concentrated sulfuric acid.
+
[[File:Corrosive.png|thumb|right|Corrosive]] While low concentration sulfuric acid is relatively safe to work with (under 40% w/w)), concentrated sulfuric acid (over 90% w/w) is extremely corrosive and dangerous. It does not only causes chemical burns, it also causes burns by dehydration of organic materials (like skin), destroying the molecules to form water with the -OH groups in them. Safety measures should be taken and all skin should be covered when working with concentrated sulfuric acid.
  
 
When heating sulfuric acid, it is important to DO NOT OVERFILL THE FLASK. Concentrated sulfuric acid's volume increases by nearly 16% between 0 and 330°C, an overfilled flask will spill its content. Also, sulfuric acid, even diluted, tends to bump when it boils, accumulating heat to release a violent burst of steam from time to time. The use of boiling chips reduces this phenomena, but there is no way to stop it completely. It is advised to take measures to prevent spills, an anti-splash adapter with ground glass joint being a very convenient option.
 
When heating sulfuric acid, it is important to DO NOT OVERFILL THE FLASK. Concentrated sulfuric acid's volume increases by nearly 16% between 0 and 330°C, an overfilled flask will spill its content. Also, sulfuric acid, even diluted, tends to bump when it boils, accumulating heat to release a violent burst of steam from time to time. The use of boiling chips reduces this phenomena, but there is no way to stop it completely. It is advised to take measures to prevent spills, an anti-splash adapter with ground glass joint being a very convenient option.
  
 
Hot concentrated sulfuric acid may decompose to form sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide, which are toxic and corrosive, respectively. It fumes profusely when hot, the fumes consist of sulfuric acid droplets and a SOx mix. These fumes are very dangerous and a known lung carcinogen.
 
Hot concentrated sulfuric acid may decompose to form sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide, which are toxic and corrosive, respectively. It fumes profusely when hot, the fumes consist of sulfuric acid droplets and a SOx mix. These fumes are very dangerous and a known lung carcinogen.
 +
 +
When carrying glass bottles of sulfuric acid and you worry there's a risk you might break it, a good tip would be to carry it in a (plastic) bucket, partially filled with sand.
  
 
===Storage===
 
===Storage===
−
Sulfuric acid should be stored in closed bottles.
+
Sulfuric acid should be stored in closed bottles. While glass bottles, being inert, are good for storing concentrated sulfuric acid, concentrated (80-98%) sulfuric acid is often stored in PE (more specifically UDPE or UHDPE) bottles, as PE is not brittle, so in the event you drop the bottle on a hard surface, it will not shatter and splash conc. sulfuric all over the place. Unfortunately, PE bottles are sensitive to light and will degrade over the years if exposed to sunlight, so they must be stored in a dark place away from UV light, like a cupboard. Commercial PE bottles used for conc. sulfuric acids tend to be colored, which helps to limit degradation from strong light and oxygen. However, if you plan to store the acid for more that several years, it's recommended to use glass bottles.
  
 
===Disposal===
 
===Disposal===
−
Sulfuric acid can be neutralized with any base or carbonate, preferably calcium hydroxide or carbonate.
+
Sulfuric acid can be neutralized with any base or carbonate, preferably [[calcium hydroxide]] or carbonate.
 +
 
 +
Concentrated sulfuric acid, like any concentrated acid, should be first strongly dilute it in a large volume of water before neutralizing it with a base. Another method would be to add it in an acid-resistant container with a lid and slowly add solid calcium hydroxide/carbonate or sodium bicarbonate chunks and close the lid to limit splashing. Wait until it stopped fizzing then keep adding until it no longer reacts. Be careful, as the thicker the solution becomes, the stronger the foaming gets.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
 
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=6911 Sulfuric Acid Production: Revisited]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=2824 H2SO4 by the Lead Chamber Process - success]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=64535 I will now be building and testing my new Batparatus!]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=3722 cleaning sulfuric acid]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=13313 Sulfuric Acid at Home]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=19117 Concentrating dilute sulphuric acid(battery acid) without distillation]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=91332 Sulfuric acid from gypsum using diaphragm cell]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=14857 Sulfuric acid purification]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=14570 sulfuric acid turned black]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=61920 Distilling Sulfuric Acid]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=65331 Sulfuric acid in NZ]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=14291 Should I get rid of my H2SO4?]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=13726 sulfuric acid accident]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=62863 Sulfuric acid storage]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=13964 HDPE as a storage for Sulfuric Acid]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=13148 Safely Storing H2SO4 (35%)]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=6217 Storage for Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=25679 Sulfuric Acid and LDPE issue]
  
 
[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
 
[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
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[[Category:Things that can kill you very quickly]]
 
[[Category:Things that can kill you very quickly]]
 
[[Category:Hygroscopic compounds]]
 
[[Category:Hygroscopic compounds]]
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[[Category:Readily available chemicals]]
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[[Category:Essential reagents]]
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[[Category:DEA List II chemicals]]
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[[Category:Catalysts]]

Revision as of 17:44, 22 August 2019

Sulfuric acid
Smw1.png
Structure of sulfuric acid
Names
IUPAC name
Sulfuric acid
Preferred IUPAC name
Sulfuric acid
Systematic IUPAC name
Sulfuric acid
Other names
Battery acid
Dihydrogen sulfate
Oil of vitriol
Spirit of vitriol
Sulphuric acid
Properties
H2SO4
Molar mass 98.079 g/mol
Appearance Colorless oily liquid
Odor Odorless (air above it may feel dry due to its strong hygroscopicity)
Density 1.84 g/cm3
Melting point 10 °C (50 °F; 283 K)
Boiling point 337 °C (639 °F; 610 K) (above 300 °C slowly decomposes)
Miscible
Solubility Reacts with amines
Miscible with alcohols
Immiscible with hydrocarbons
Vapor pressure 0.001 mmHg (20 °C)
Acidity (pKa) −3;1.99
Thermochemistry
157 J·mol−1·K−1
−814 kJ·mol−1
Hazards
Safety data sheet FisherSci
Flash point Non-flammable
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
2.140 mg/kg (rat, oral)
50 mg/m3 (guinea pig, 8 hr)
510 mg/m3 (rat, 2 hr)
320 mg/m3 (mouse, 2 hr)
18 mg/m3 (guinea pig)
Related compounds
Related compounds
 Sulfurous acid
Sulfur trioxide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Sulfuric acid (alternative spelling sulphuric acid), represented by the molecular formula H2SO4, is one of the most important acids in chemistry and the most important chemical to industries in the world. It is the strongest easily available acid, with a pKa of -3.

Properties

Chemical properties

Sulfuric acid is a diprotic acid, it is able to give away two protons (H+). It first dissociates to form hydronium and hydrogen sulfate, with a pKa of -3, indicative of a strong acid:

H2SO4 + H2O → H3O + HSO4−

The second dissociation forms sulfate and another hydronium ion from a hydrogen sulfate ion. It has a pKa of 1.99, indicative of a mid-strength acid, and occurs like this:

HSO4− + H2O ⇌ H3O+ + SO42-

Concentrated sulfuric acid also has a strong oxidizing effect, converting nonmetals such as carbon and sulfur to carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, respectively, reducing sulfuric acid into sulfur dioxide and water in the process.

2 H2SO4 + C → CO2 + SO2 + H2O + H2SO4
2 H2SO4 + S → 2 SO2 + H2O + H2SO4

This property is useful for producing large amounts of sulfur dioxide for use as a reducing agent if water is continually removed. Heat accelerates this process.

Sulfuric acid is sufficiently strong enough to protonate nitric acid, forming the nitronium ion, which can be used in a nitration mixture to make alkyl nitrates.

In organic chemistry, sulfuric acid is the most practical acid in most cases where a source of H3O+ ions are needed as it introduces the least amount of water. Organic compounds are often easily attacked by the nucleophiles left behind by the dissociation of acids such as HCl which leaves Cl- ions behind which can easily attack many organic compounds. However, the sulfate ions left behind by the dissociation of sulfuric acid are far less reactive than the ions left behind by most acids, it allows to protonate the reaction mixture without causing undesired side reactions in most cases.

When concentrated, it is strongly hygroscopic and has strong dehydrating properties. It can break down most organic molecules containing OH- groups to use them to form water, leaving only the carbon behind. This property is exploited in the famous "black snake" demonstration, where sulfuric acid dehydrates sucrose (table sugar), forming water with the hydrogen and oxygen atoms and leaving amorphous carbon behind.

Physical properties

Boiling point of H2SO4 VS concentration

Sulfuric acid is a oily liquid at room temperature. It is colorless, but often has a very light yellow color when slightly contaminated with iron or carbon from organic matter like dust. Even very small amounts of dissolved organic matter can change the color of concentrated sulfuric acid to pale yellow or pink, red, brown, and even black. It is commonly sold diluted at around 35% w/w with water as car battery acid and concentrated between 95% and 98% w/w as drain cleaner.

Sulfuric acid's boiling point raises with the concentration as described in this figure to the right. An azeotrope forms at 98% w/w.

At room temperature, sulfuric acid does not fume and has no smell. Hot sulfuric acid is known to fume profusely and smell like a mix of burnt matches and pure pain (this is because of its partial decomposition when hot; the smells correspond to sulfur dioxide and trioxide respectively).

Sources, production, and concentration

Sulfuric acid is a commonly used chemical for lead-acid batteries and drain cleaning. Battery acid can often be found at an auto store or a department store, and is approximately 35% sulfuric acid by weight. This is sufficient for most amateur chemists. If more concentrated sulfuric acid is desired, one can look in hardware stores for drain cleaner, which can be over 90% sulfuric acid by weight. For safety purposes, this concentration of sulfuric acid may have a dye in it. Other forms of sulfuric acid may be contaminated with various chemicals and will appear yellow, black, red.

However, there is at least one brand of drain cleaner which is ~95% sulfuric acid, without any additives of dyes.

For some amateurs, it can be hard to find concentrated sulfuric acid, with acid drain cleaners being banned (as a result of acid throwing or illicit drug manufacture) or very contaminated in some countries. So here we shall provide a concise list of available methods of making sulfuric acid.

The most well-tested method of concentrating sulfuric acid is described in a sub-article: Boiling the Bat.

  • If you have technical grade sulfuric acid of concentrations from 80% to 94%, it can be converted to the pure compound by Zintl-Karyakin distillation. This process yields sulfuric acid of the highest quality and of concentration above the azeotrope. However, it is demanding in terms of glassware and very risky if performed at home. To perform this distillation, you need chromium trioxide or a dichromate salt (any will do, except ammonium: ammonium dichromate will decompose on heating, and you'll have green murky acid contaminated with chromium (III) oxide and chromium sulfate) that will work as an azeotrope breaker. Add this to a round-bottom flask, pour the acid in and connect it to an air-cooled condenser. Put thermal insulation (asbestos, rockwool) on the flask and start heating it. Discard the first few grams of the distillate, until its density reaches 1.84; collect every drop after that. This gives pure sulfuric acid with concentration above 98%. Beware of any spillage of hexavalent chromium, it's a carcinogen! If such a spillage occurs, neutralize it with any reducing solution such as potassium iodide.

It is possible to further concentrate sulfuric acid by adding sulfur trioxide, which reacts with the remaining water to form pure sulfuric acid. Sulfur trioxide can continue to be added to the solution to form oleum, which fumes in air to form sulfuric acid droplets. When an equimolar concentration of sulfuric acid and sulfur trioxide are added, it forms pyrosulfuric acid, which is a solid at room temperature. Sulfur trioxide can easily be obtained through the pyrolysis of copper(II) sulfate.

Projects

Handling

Safety

Corrosive
While low concentration sulfuric acid is relatively safe to work with (under 40% w/w)), concentrated sulfuric acid (over 90% w/w) is extremely corrosive and dangerous. It does not only causes chemical burns, it also causes burns by dehydration of organic materials (like skin), destroying the molecules to form water with the -OH groups in them. Safety measures should be taken and all skin should be covered when working with concentrated sulfuric acid.

When heating sulfuric acid, it is important to DO NOT OVERFILL THE FLASK. Concentrated sulfuric acid's volume increases by nearly 16% between 0 and 330°C, an overfilled flask will spill its content. Also, sulfuric acid, even diluted, tends to bump when it boils, accumulating heat to release a violent burst of steam from time to time. The use of boiling chips reduces this phenomena, but there is no way to stop it completely. It is advised to take measures to prevent spills, an anti-splash adapter with ground glass joint being a very convenient option.

Hot concentrated sulfuric acid may decompose to form sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide, which are toxic and corrosive, respectively. It fumes profusely when hot, the fumes consist of sulfuric acid droplets and a SOx mix. These fumes are very dangerous and a known lung carcinogen.

When carrying glass bottles of sulfuric acid and you worry there's a risk you might break it, a good tip would be to carry it in a (plastic) bucket, partially filled with sand.

Storage

Sulfuric acid should be stored in closed bottles. While glass bottles, being inert, are good for storing concentrated sulfuric acid, concentrated (80-98%) sulfuric acid is often stored in PE (more specifically UDPE or UHDPE) bottles, as PE is not brittle, so in the event you drop the bottle on a hard surface, it will not shatter and splash conc. sulfuric all over the place. Unfortunately, PE bottles are sensitive to light and will degrade over the years if exposed to sunlight, so they must be stored in a dark place away from UV light, like a cupboard. Commercial PE bottles used for conc. sulfuric acids tend to be colored, which helps to limit degradation from strong light and oxygen. However, if you plan to store the acid for more that several years, it's recommended to use glass bottles.

Disposal

Sulfuric acid can be neutralized with any base or carbonate, preferably calcium hydroxide or carbonate.

Concentrated sulfuric acid, like any concentrated acid, should be first strongly dilute it in a large volume of water before neutralizing it with a base. Another method would be to add it in an acid-resistant container with a lid and slowly add solid calcium hydroxide/carbonate or sodium bicarbonate chunks and close the lid to limit splashing. Wait until it stopped fizzing then keep adding until it no longer reacts. Be careful, as the thicker the solution becomes, the stronger the foaming gets.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

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