Sulfuric acid

Chemical structure

Ball-and-stick diagram

Space-filling model
The chemical formula of sulfuric acid is H2SO4 and its molecular weight is 98.079g/mol. Its chemical structure is shown above. The sulfur atom is bound to two oxygen atoms through double bonds, and two hydroxyl groups (OH) through single bonds. It is a diprotic acid, as it can release two protons.

History

Although sulfuric acid is now one of the most widely used chemicals, it was probably little known before the 16th cent. It was prepared by Johann Van Helmont (c.1600) by destructive distillation of green vitriol (ferrous sulfate) and by burning sulfur. The first major industrial demand for sulfuric acid was the Leblanc process for making sodium carbonate (developed c.1790). Sulfuric acid was produced at Nordhausen from green vitriol but was expensive. A process for its synthesis by burning sulfur with saltpeter (potassium nitrate) was first used by Johann Glauber in the 17th cent. and developed commercially by Joshua Ward in England c.1740. It was soon superseded by the lead chamber process, invented by John Roebuck in 1746 and since improved by many others. The contact process was originally developed c.1830 by Peregrine Phillips in England; it was little used until a need for concentrated acid arose, particularly for the manufacture of synthetic organic dyes.

Occurrence

Sulfuric acid is formed naturally by oxidation of sulfide minerals in rocks. Dilute sulfuric acid is also formed in the atmosphere by oxidation of sulfur dioxide (from burning of fuels) in the presence of moisture, eventually precipitating as 'acid rain'.

Psysical properties

H2SO4 is a colorless or slightly yellow viscous liquid with a pungent odor. It has a density of 1.84 g/mL, boiling point of 337 °C, and melting point of 10 °C. "Concentrated" sulfuric acid is 98% in water, and is the most stable form. Many other concentrations, with different names, are available for various purposes. Battery acid is 29–32%, chamber acid is 62-70%, and tower acid is 78-80%.

Chemical properties

Sulfuric acid is a very strong, diprotic acid. It is hygroscopic and readily absorbs moisture from air. It is a powerful oxidizing agent and reacts with many metals at high temperatures. Concentrated H2SO4 is also a strong dehydrating agent. Addition of water to concentrated sulfuric acid is a very exothermic reaction and can lead to explosions.
C(s) + H2SO4(aq) → 2SO2(g)+2H2O(l)
Fe(s) + H2SO4(aq) → H2(g) + FeSO4(aq)
Sn(s) + 2 H2SO4(aq) → SnSO4(aq) + 2 H2O(l) + SO2(g)
Fig.2 Oxidizing ability of sulfuric acid

Fig.3 Dehydrating nature of sulfuric acid

Fig.4 Reaction of sulfuric acid with water

Uses

Annual production of sulfuric acid

These figures relate to 2011 2012. It was expected that by 2012, the World production would be over 250 million tonnes (mcgroup.com) and 260 million tonnes by 2018 (marketsandmarkets.com) with the upward trend forecasted to at least 2023 (transparencymarketresearch.com).   Tab. 1 Annual production of sulfuric acid (Data estimated from:Merchant Research & Consulting Ltd.)

Production methods of sulfuric acid

Lean Chamber Process

Fig.5 Lead chambers for large scale production of sulphuric acid 1874
In 1746 in Birmingham, England, John Roebuck began producing sulfuric acid in lead-lined chambers, which were stronger and less expensive, and could be made much larger, than the glass containers which had been used previously. This allowed the effective industrialization of sulfuric acid production and, with several refinements, this process remained the standard method of production for almost two centuries. So robust was the process that as late as 1946, the chamber process still accounted for 25% of sulfuric acid manufactured.

Contact Process

Fig.6 Contact process for producing sulfuric acid
The contact process (DCDA process) is the current method of producing sulfuric acid in the high concentrations needed for industrial processes. This process was patented in 1831 by British vinegar merchant Peregrine Phillips. In addition to being a far more economical process for producing concentrated sulfuric acid than the previous lead chamber process, the contact process also produces sulfur trioxide and oleum. In the contact process, purified sulfur dioxide and air are mixed, heated to about 450°C, and passed over a catalyst; the sulfur dioxide is oxidized to sulfur trioxide. The catalyst is usually platinum on a silica or asbestos carrier or vanadium pentoxide on a silica carrier. The sulfur trioxide is cooled and passed through two towers. In the first tower it is washed with oleum (fuming sulfuric acid, 100% sulfuric acid with sulfur trioxide dissolved in it). In the second tower it is washed with 97% sulfuric acid; 98% sulfuric acid is usually produced in this tower. Waste gases are usually discharged into the atmosphere. Acid of any desired concentration may be produced by mixing or diluting the products of this process.

Wet sulfuric acid process

Fig.7 Wet Sulfuric Acid Process Diagram
The wet sulfuric acid process (WSA process) is one of the key gas desulfurization processes on the market today. Since the Danish catalyst company Haldor Topsoe introduced and patented this technology in the late 1980s, it has been recognised as an efficient process for recovering sulfur from various process gasses in the form of commercial quality sulfuric acid (H2SO4), with simultaneous production of high pressure steam. The WSA process is applied in all industries where removal of sulfur is an issue.

Uses

Sulfuric acid has many uses in different industries, such as fertilizer production, metal production, mineral processing, petroleum refining, wastewater processing, etc. It is also used in the production of cleaning agents, dyes, pigments, drugs, detergents, and explosives. It is commonly used as the electrolyte in lead-acid batteries.


Fig. 8 Uses of sulfuric acid.
Fertilizers
By far the largest amount of sulfuric acid is used to make phosphoric acid, used, in turn, to make the phosphate fertilizers, calcium dihydrogenphosphate and the ammonium phosphates. It is also used to make ammonium sulfate, which is a particularly important fertilizer in sulfur-deficient.
3.2 Industrial cleaning agent
Sulfuric acid is used in large quantities by the iron and steelmaking industry to remove oxidation, rust and scaling from rolled sheet and billets prior to sale to the automobile and major appliances industry. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be added to sulfuric acid to produce piranha solution, a powerful but very toxic cleaning solution with which substrate surfaces can be cleaned. Piranha solution is typically used in the microelectronics industry, and also in laboratory settings to clean glassware.

Fig. 9 Piranha solution
Metal processing
It is widely used in metal processing for example in the manufacture of copper and the manufacture of zinc and in cleaning the surface of steel sheet, known as 'pickling', prior to it being covered in a thin layer of tin, used to make cans for food.
Catalyst
Sulfuric acid can be used as acid catalysts in many organic reactions. It covers the nitration of benzene, the hydration of ethene to manufacture ethanol, and the reactions both to produce esters and to hydrolyse them under acidic conditions.
Electrolyte
Sulfuric acid acts as the electrolyte in lead–acid batteries (lead-acid accumulator): At anode:
Pb + SO42− ? PbSO4 + 2 e−
At cathode:
PbO2 + 4 H+ + SO42− + 2 e− ? PbSO4 + 2 H2O
Overall:
Pb + PbO2 + 4 H+ + 2 SO42− ? 2 PbSO4 + 2 H2O

Fig.10 Lead–acid batterie

Domestic uses
Sulfuric acid at high concentrations is frequently the major ingredient in acidic drain cleaners[9] 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. Moreover, as 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.

Fig. 11 Acidic drain cleaner

Others
Fluorapatite is treated with 93% sulfuric acid to produce calcium sulfate, hydrogen fluoride (HF) and phosphoric acid. The HF is removed as hydrofluoric acid. The overall process can be represented as:
Ca5F(PO4)3 + 5 H2SO4 + 10 H2O → 5 CaSO4•2 H2O + HF + 3 H3PO4
Another important use for sulfuric acid is for the manufacture of aluminium sulfate, also known as paper maker's alum.
2 AlO(OH) + 3 H2SO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + 4 H2O
Sulfuric acid is also important in the manufacture of dyestuffs solutions, pigments and drugs. Whatsmore, sulfuric acid can be used in mineral processing, petroleum refining and wastewater processing.

Toxicity information

Toxicity Level
High toxicity

Acute Toxicity
Oral-Rat LD50: 2140 mg/kg; Inhalation-mouse LC50: 320 mg /m3/2 h

Hazards
Health hazards
Corrosive to all body tissues. Inhalation of vapor may cause serious lung damage. Contact with eyes may result in total loss of vision. Skin contact may produce severe necrosis. Fatal amount for adult: between 1 teaspoonful and one-half ounce of the concentrated chemical. Even a few drops may be fatal if the acid gains access to the trachea. Chronic exposure may cause tracheobronchitis, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, and gastritis. Gastric perforation and peritonitis may occur and may be followed by circulatory collapse. Circulatory shock is often the immediate cause of death. Those with chronic respiratory, gastrointestinal, or nervous diseases and any eye and skin diseases are at greater risk.

Fire Hazards
Sulfuric acid is highly reactive and capable of igniting finely-divided combustible materials on contact. When heated, Sulfuric acid emits highly toxic fumes. Avoid heat; water and organic materials. Sulfuric acid is explosive or incompatible with an enormous array of substances. Can undergo violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressure. May react violently with water. When heated, Sulfuric acid emits highly toxic fumes. Hazardous polymerization may not occur.

Storage and transportation

Sulfuric acid is manufactured by the catalytic oxidation of sulfur dioxide by either the contact process or the lead-chamber process,although the contact process is now the primary process used to manufacture sulfuric acid. Acid produced by the conversion of sulfur trioxide by the contact process is concentrated (98 to 99%) and pure. Because anhydrous sulfuric acid is difficult to ship on account of its high freezing point,10.5°C(50 OF), sulfuric acid is ordinarily shipped at the 93.19% concentration, which is designated as oil of vitriol. This concentration has a low freezing point of -34°C (-29 OF) and does not corrode steel containers at ordinary temperatures.
In the lead-chamber process,sulfur dioxide,oxygen,water vapor, and oxides of nitrogen are mixed in large,lead-lined chambers, and the liquid products as run off from the floor of the chambers is called chamber acid. Chamber acid has a concentration of 60 to 70% sulfuric acid by weight and contains considerable impurities. It reacts with steel shipping containers and is rarely shipped in quantity. Although more dilute acids are prepared, they must be shipped in expensive glass bottles. Chamber acid maybe concentrated to 77% by evaporation in lead-lined pans and shipped in areas where its freezing point of -lO.8 °C(12.6 °F) is acceptable. In cold climates, the concentration may be diluted to 76% to lower the freezing point. Sulfuric acid at the 76 to 78% concentration level is not seriously corrosive to steel tank cars and is an economical supply for the production of superphosphate by the fertilizer industry.

Hazards & Safety Information

Category : Corrosive items
Toxicity classification  : high toxic
Acute toxicity :
Oral-Rat LD50: 2140 mg/kg; Inhalation-mouse LC50: 320 mg /m 3/2 h
Stimulation Data :  Eye-Rabbit 5 mg/30 sec Severe
Hazardous properties of explosives :  exploded after encounter with water; combustion-supporting after encounter with combustible; react with the metal to generate flammable explosive hydrogen
Flammable hazardous nature :  burned after encounter with organic matter; release combustible hydrogen after encounter with metal
Storage and transportation characteristics : ventilation; low-temperature; dry; stored separately with organic matter, reducing material and flammable materials
Extinguishing agent :  carbon dioxide, dry sand; prohibit the use of columnar water
Occupational Standard : TWA 1 mg /m3; STEL 3 mg /m3

References

http://www.essentialchemicalindustry.org/chemicals/sulfuric-acid.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfuric_acid#Uses
http://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-technology/chemistry/compounds-and-elements/sulfuric-acid
http://www.qsstudy.com/chemistry/uses-sulphuric-acid

Description

Reactivity
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. It reacts with most metals, particularly when diluted with water, to form flammable hydrogen gas, which may create an explosion hazard. Sulfuric acid is not combustible, but it is a strong oxidizer that enhances the combustion of other substances, does not burn itself. During fire, poisonous gases are emitted. Hazardous decomposition products are as follows: sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide, and sulfuric acid fumes. Note: Use great caution in mixing with water due to heat release that causes explosions. Always add the acid to water, never the reverse.
Where Found
l Car battery acid
l Certain detergents
l Chemical munitions
l Some fertilizers
l Some toilet bowl cleaners
Derivation
Sulfuric acid is made from sulfur, pyrite (FeS2), hydrogen sulfide, or sulfur-containing smelter gases by the contact process (vanadium pentoxide catalyst). The first step is combustion of elemental sulfur, or roasting of iron pyrites, to yield sulfur dioxide. Then follows the critical reaction, catalytic oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide.

Chemical Properties

Sulfuric acid occurs as a clear, colorless, odorless, oily liquid. It is very corrosive and has a great affinity for water.
The USP32–NF27 specifies that sulfuric acid contains not less than 95% and not more than 98%, by weight, of H2SO4; the remainder is water.

Chemical Properties

Sulfuric acid is a colorless to dark brown, odorless, oily liquid which is commercially sold @ 93% to 98% H2SO4, the remainder being water.

Chemical Properties

clear, colorless, oily liquid; absorbs moisture from atmospheric; can char organic materials, e.g. sugar; miscible with water, evolving heat; enthalpy of fusion 10.71 kJ/mol; specific conductance 1.044×102 at 25°C; dielectric constant 110 at 20°C [MER06] [COT88] [CRC10]

Electrical Conductivity

History

Sulfuric acid is a colorless, oily, dense liquid that is one of the most important industrial chemicals. More than 40 million tons are produced in the United States annually and approximately 170 million tons are produced globally. Sulfuric acid has a long history and was first produced by ancient alchemists. Its discovery is credited to the Persian physician Mohammad Ibn Zakariya al-Razi (Rhazes, 854 925), who produced sulfuric acid from the dry distillation of minerals. Dry distillation typically involves heating a substance in a closed container to limit oxygen and combustion. As the substance is heated, it decomposes and the volatile components can be captured. Because sulfuric acid was obtained from distilling minerals, it is called a mineral acid. The ancient method of sulfuric acid production involved heating either iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4 7H2O), which was called green vitriol, or copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4 5H2O), called blue vitriol. When minerals containing these compounds were heated, the products included sulfur trioxide (SO3) and water. The combination of sulfur trioxide and water produced sulfuric acid: SO3(g) + H2O(l) H2SO4(aq). The production of sulfuric acid from natural minerals called vitriols and its oily appearance led to the common name oil of vitriol for sulfuric acid.

Uses

Sulfuric Acid is an acidulant that is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid with great affinity for water. it is prepared by reacting sulfur dioxide with oxygen and mixing the resulting sulfur trioxide with water, or by reacting nitric oxide with sulfur dioxide in water. it is very cor- rosive. it is used as a modifier of food starch and is used in caramel production and in alcoholic beverages.

Uses

Sulfuric acid is also called oil of vitriol, this colorless oily liquid was made by roasting pyrites or sulfur in a lead furnace. Sulfuric acid was mixed with either nitric acid or potassium nitrate to treat cotton in the making of nitro cellulose. The nitro cellulose was then dissolved in ether and alcohol for making collodion.

Uses

Strong inorganic acid mists containing sulfuric acid are not used per se in industry or in commercial products but are generated from both natural and industrial sources. In particular, sulfuric acid mists may be produced during the manufacture or use of sulfuric acid, sulfur trioxide, or oleum. Sulfur trioxide is primarily used to make sulfuric acid, but it is also used as a sulfonating or oxidizing agent. Oleum is used as a sulfonating or dehydrating agent, in petroleum refining, and as a laboratory reagent. Sulfuric acid is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals; however, most of it is used as a reagent rather than an ingredient. Therefore, most of the sulfuric acid used ends up as a spent acid or a sulfate waste. Exacting purity grades are required for use in storage batteries and for the rayon, dye, and pharmaceutical industries. Sulfuric acids used in the steel, chemical, and fertilizer industries have less exacting standards (IARC 1992b, ATSDR 1998, HSDB 2009).
Sulfuric acid is used in the following industries: fertilizer, petroleum refining, mining and metallurgy, ore processing, inorganic and organic chemicals, synthetic rubber and plastics, pulp and paper, soap and detergents, water treatment, cellulose fibers and films, and inorganic pigments and paints. Between 60% and 70% of the sulfuric acid used in the United States is used by the fertilizer industry to convert phosphate rock to phosphoric acid. All other individual uses account for less than 1% to less than 10% of the total consumption. Sulfuric acid use is declining in some industries. There is a trend in the steel industry to use hydrochloric acid instead of sulfuric acid in pickling, and hydrofluoric acid has replaced sulfuric acid for some uses in the petroleum industry. The primary consumer product that contains sulfuric acid is the lead-acid battery; however, this accounts for a small fraction of the overall use. Sulfuric acid is also used as a generalpurpose food additive (IARC 1992b, ATSDR 1998).

Uses

Pharmaceutic aid (acidifying agent).

Uses

Sulfuric acid is the leading chemical inthe world in terms of production andconsumption. It is used in the productionof phosphate fertilizers, dyes, explosives,glues, and a number of sulfates. It isalso used in the purification of petroleum,cleaning of steel surfaces (metal pickling),and as a dehydrating agent. Commerciallysold concentrated H2SO4 contains 98% acid,with the remaining water; normality 36.

Production Methods

Sulfuric acid may be prepared industrially by either the contact process or the chamber process.
Contact Process
2SO₂＋O₂→2SO₃
SO₃＋H₂O→H₂SO₄
Chamber Process
2NO＋O₂→2NO₂
NO₂＋SO₂＋H₂O→H₂SO₄＋NO

Definition

Sulfuric acid,H2S04, also known as oil of vitriol and dipping acid,is a colorless, toxic,oily liquid.A great deal of heat is released when concentrated sulfuric acid and water are mixed;therefore, acid should always be added to water with sufficient stirring to prevent splattering and boiling. Sulfuric acid has a strong attraction for water and forms four crystalline hydrates. This affinity for water makes sulfuric acid an efficient drying agent for gases such as hydrogen, oxygen,nitrogen, and carbon dioxide,but results in the charring of organic compounds containing carbon,hydrogen, and oxygen such as cellulose, sugar,paper, and wood. Sulfuric acid participates in two types of oxidation reactions. One is the typical reaction of a strong acid that depends on the oxidizing power of the hydrogen ion, for example, the reaction of an active metal with the dilute acid to produce hydrogen. Sulfuric acid is a strong electrolyte and is used in electroplating baths,for pickling, and for other operations in the production of iron and steel. In the second type of oxidation reaction, the sulfate portion of the molecule reacts to form acid sulfates or bisulfates and the normal sulfates. Sulfuric acid is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, organic pigments, explosives, rayon, and film, Sulfuric acid has low volatility, a feature utilized in the manufacture of volatile acids such as nitric, hydrochloric, and hydrofluoric, where the volatile acid is vaporized when one of its salts is heated with the sulfuric acid.

General Description

Sulphuric acid may be prepared by catalytic oxidation of sulphur dioxide. It is a very strong electrolyte and has high affinity to water.

Air & Water Reactions

Reaction with water is negligible unless acid strength is above 80-90% then heat from hydrolysis is extreme, may cause severe burns [Merck, 11th ed. 1989]. During sulfonation of mononitrobenzene by fuming Sulfuric acid , a leak from an internal cooling coil permitted water to enter the reaction tank. A violent eruption occurred due to the heat of solution [MCA Case History 944 1963].

Reactivity Profile

Sulfuric acid is strongly acidic. Reacts violently with bromine pentafluoride [Mellor 2 Supp. 1:172 1956]. Exploded with para-nitrotoluene at 80 °C [Chem. Eng. News 27:2504]. An explosion occurred when concentrated Sulfuric acid was mixed with crystalline potassium permanganate in a vessel containing moisture. Manganese heptoxide was formed, which explodes at 70°C [Delhez 1967]. A mixture of acrylonitrile with concentrated Sulfuric acid must be kept well chilled, otherwise a vigorous exothermic reaction occurs [Chem. Safety Data Sheet SD-31:8. 1949]. Mixing Sulfuric acid (96%) in equal portions with any of the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: acetonitrile, acrolein, 2-aminoethanol, ammonium hydroxide (28%), aniline, n-butyraldehyde, chlorosulfonic acid, ethylene diamine, ethyleneimine, epichlorohydrin, ethylene cyanohydrin, hydrochloric acid (36%), hydrofluoric acid (48.7%), propiolactone, propylene oxide, sodium hydroxide, styrene monomer [NFPA 1991]. Sulfuric acid (concentrated) is extremely hazardous in contact with carbides, bromates, chlorates, fulminates, picrates, and powdered metals [Haz. Chem. Data 1966]. Allyl chloride may polymerize violently under conditions involving an acid catalyst, such as Sulfuric acid [Ventrone 1971]. React exothermically with sodium hypochlorite to produce chlorine gas. Mixing chloroSulfuric acid and 98% Sulfuric acid may evolve HCl [Subref: Anon, Loss Prev. Bull. 1977, (013), 2-3]. Zinc iodide reacts violently with H2SO4. (Pascal, 1962, Vol. 5, 168).

Hazard

Strong irritant to tissue. Pulmonary function inhibitor. Confirmed carcinogen.

Health Hazard

Concentrated sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive liquid that can cause severe, deep burns upon skin contact. The concentrated acid destroys tissue because of its dehydrating action, while dilute H 2SO4 acts as a skin irritant because of its acid character. Eye contact with concentrated H2SO4 causes severe burns, which can result in permanent loss of vision; contact with dilute H2SO4 results in more transient effects from which recovery may be complete. Sulfuric acid mist severely irritates the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. Because of its low vapor pressure, the principal inhalation hazard from sulfuric acid involves breathing in acid mists, which may result in irritation of the upper respiratory passages and erosion of dental surfaces. Higher inhalation exposures may lead to temporary lung irritation with difficulty breathing. Ingestion of sulfuric acid may cause severe burns to the mucous membranes of the mouth and esophagus. Animal testing with sulfuric acid did not demonstrate carcinogenic, mutagenic, embryotoxic, or reproductive effects. Chronic exposure to sulfuric acid mist may lead to bronchitis, skin lesions, conjunctivitis, and erosion of teeth.

Health Hazard

Concentrated sulfuric acid is a very corrosiveliquid that can cause severe, deep burns to tissue. It can penetrate through skin andcause tissue necrosis. The effect may besimilar to that of thermal burns. Contact withthe eyes can cause permanent loss of vision.
Inhalation of its vapors or mist can produce severe bronchial constriction. Becausethe vapor pressure of sulfuric acid is negligible, <0.001 torr at 20°C (68°F), the inhalation hazard is low. However, the acid mists,having a particle size of <7 μm, may penetrate the upper respiratory tract and nasalpassage. Human exposure to acid mist at aconcentration of 5 mg/m³ in air producedcoughing. At concentrations of <1 mg/m³,there was no irritation. Chronic exposure tosulfuric acid mist may produce bronchitis,conjunctivitis, skin lesions, and erosion ofteeth. Frequent contact with dilute acid cancause dermatitis of skin.
LD50 value, oral (rats): 2140 mg/kg
LC50 value, inhalation (rats): 510 mg/m³/2 h.

Health Hazard

Corrosive to all body tissues. Inhalation of vapor may cause serious lung damage. Contact with eyes may result in total loss of vision. Skin contact may produce severe necrosis. Fatal amount for adult: between 1 teaspoonful and one-half ounce of the concentrated chemical. Even a few drops may be fatal if the acid gains access to the trachea. Chronic exposure may cause tracheobronchitis, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, and gastritis. Gastric perforation and peritonitis may occur and may be followed by circulatory collapse. Circulatory shock is often the immediate cause of death. Those with chronic respiratory, gastrointestinal, or nervous diseases and any eye and skin diseases are at greater risk.

Fire Hazard

Sulfuric acid is noncombustible but can cause finely divided combustible substances to ignite. Sulfuric acid reacts with most metals, especially when dilute, to produce flammable and potentially explosive hydrogen gas.

Fire Hazard

Sulfuric acid is highly reactive and capable of igniting finely-divided combustible materials on contact. When heated, Sulfuric acid emits highly toxic fumes. Avoid heat; water and organic materials. Sulfuric acid is explosive or incompatible with an enormous array of substances. Can undergo violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressure. May react violently with water. When heated, Sulfuric acid emits highly toxic fumes. Hazardous polymerization may not occur.

Flammability and Explosibility

Sulfuric acid is noncombustible but can cause finely divided combustible substances to ignite. Sulfuric acid reacts with most metals, especially when dilute, to produce flammable and potentially explosive hydrogen gas.

reaction suitability

reaction type: Acid-base reactions

Pharmaceutical Applications

Sulfuric acid is used as an acidifying agent in a variety of pharmaceutical and food preparations. It may also be used to prepare dilute sulfuric acid, which, in addition to its use as an excipient, has some therapeutic use for the treatment of gastric hypoacidity, as an astringent in diarrhea, or to stimulate appetite. Sulfuric acid has been used in parenteral, oral, topical, and ophthalmic pharmaceutical formulations.

Industrial uses

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is the most widely used acid for pH control in mineral flotation. Sulfuric acid can be manufactured by several processes including the burning of pure sulfur, roasting of pyrite and from the recovery of SO₂ stack gas from a smelter operation. Sulfuric acid is a colorless to amber, slightly cloudy and oily liquid with a specific gravity of 1.84 at 95% strength. In mineral flotation, sulfuric acid is used in almost all applications involving acid pH control. It is also used as a pulp pretreatment chemical during flotation of oxidic and industrial minerals. Pulp pretreatment with sulfuric acid improves flotation of ilmenite, perovskite, phenacite, beryl and other minerals.

Mechanism of action

Corrosion

Safety Profile

Suspected human carcinogen when contained in strong inorganic mists. A human poison. Experimental poison by inhalation. Moderately toxic by ingestion. A severe eye irritant. Extremely irritating, corrosive, and toxic to tissue, resulting in rapid destruction of tissue, causing severe burns. If much of the skin is involved, exposure is accompanied by shock, collapse, and symptoms similar to those seen in severe burns. Repeated contact with dilute solutions can cause a dermatitis, and repeated or prolonged inhalation of a mist of sulfuric acid can cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, leading to chronic bronchitis. Sensitivity to sulfuric acid or its mists or vapors varies with individuals. Normally 0.125-0.50 ppm may be mildly annoying, 1.5-2.5 ppm can be definitely unpleasant, and 10-20 ppm is unbearable. Workers exposed to low concentrations of the vapor gradually lose their sensitivity to its irritating action. Inhalation of concentrated vapor or mists from hot acid or oleum can cause rapid loss of consciousness with serious damage to lung tissue. Severe exposure may cause a chemical pneumonitis; erosion of the teeth due to exposure to strong acid fumes has been recopzed in industry. An experimental teratogen.Ths is a very powerful acidc oxidmer that can ignite or explode on contact with many materials, e.g., acetic acid, acetone cyanhydrin, (acetone + HNO3), (acetone + K2Cr207), acetonitrile, acrolein, acrylonitrile, (acrylonitrile + H20), (alcohols + H2O2), allyl alcohol, allyl chloride, NH4OH, 2-amino ethanol, NH4, triperchromate, anhe, (bromates + metals), BrF5, n-butyraldehyde, carbides, CoHC2, chlorates, (metals + chlorates), ClF3, chlorosulfonic acid, Cu3N, diisobutylene, (dimethyl benzylcarbinol + H204, epichlorohydrin, ethylene cyanhydrin, ethylene diamine, ethylene glycol, ethylene imine, fulminates, HCl, H2, IF7, (indene + HNO3), Fe, isoprene, LisSiz, Hg3N2, mesityl oxide, metals, (HNO3 + glycerides), p-nitrotoluene, perchlorates, HClO4, (C6H6 + permanganates), pentasilver trihydroxydiamino phosphate, (l-phenyl-2-methyl propyl alcohol + H2O2), P, P(OCN)3, picrates, potassium-tertbutoxide, KClO3, KMnO4 + KCl), (KMnO4 + H2O), p-propiolactone, RbHC2, propylene oxide, pyridine, Na, Na2CO3, NaOH, steel, styrene monomer, water, vinyl acetate, (HNO3 + toluene). When heated it emits highly toxic fumes; wdl react with water or steam to produce heat; can react with oxidizing or reducing materials. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of SOX. See also SULFATES.

Safety

Sulfuric acid is widely used in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations. Although concentrated sulfuric acid is very corrosive, it is normally used well diluted in formulations. Concentrated sulfuric acid will react violently with water and much heat is generated. When diluting sulfuric acid, the acid should always be added to the other liquid with great caution.
The concentrated solution is extremely corrosive and can cause severe damage or necrosis on contact with the eyes and skin. Ingestion may cause severe injury or death. Inhalation of concentrated vapors can cause serious lung damage.
LD50 (rat, oral): 2.14 g/kg

Potential Exposure

Used as a chemical feedstock in the manufacture of acetic acid, hydrochloric acid; citric acid; phosphoric acid; aluminum sulfate; ammonium sulfate;barium sulfate; copper sulfate; phenol, superphosphates, titanium dioxide; as well as synthetic fertilizers, nitrate explosives; artificial fibers; dyes, pharmaceuticals, detergents, glue, paint, and paper. It finds use as a dehydrating agent for esters and ethers due to its high affinity for water; as an electrolyte in storage batteries; for the hydrolysis of cellulose to obtain glucose; in the refining of mineral and vegetable oil; and in the leather industry. Other uses include fur and food processing; carbonization of wool fabrics; gas drying; uranium extraction from pitchblende; and laboratory analysis. Sulfuric acid is among the highestvolume produced chemical in the United States.

Carcinogenicity

Strong inorganic acid mists containing sulfuric acid are known to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in humans.

Environmental Fate

Although sulfuric acid can be extremely harmful, it is a naturally occurring compound. The release of sulfur into the biosphere is not from anthropogenic sources. It is also a major compound that is released in volcanic eruptions when oxides of sulfur are emitted:
Sulfur trioxide will dissolve in rainwater to form sulfuric acid SO3 ＋ H2O → H2SO4:
Sulfur dioxide will dissolve in rainwater to form sulfurous acid (H2SO3), and is then oxidized to form sulfuric acid, which leads to acid rains.
The presence of sulfuric acid is related with the natural ability of microorganisms that can be found in or isolated from acid mine water or from sulfur and iron sulfide mines as well as volcanoes.
The examples of such bacteria are:
Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (Thiobacillus ferrooxidans) that lives in pyrite deposits, metabolizing iron and sulfur and producing sulfuric acid.
Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans (Thiobacillus thiooxidans, Thiobacillus concretivorus) that utilizes sulfur and produces sulfuric acid.

storage

Sulfuric acid is stable but very corrosive and hygroscopic. It will draw moisture from the atmosphere. Sulfuric acid should be stored in a tightly closed container in an explosion-proof area. Containers should be stored out of direct sunlight and away from heat. Avoid heat and moisture. Isolate from incompatible materials.

storage

Splash goggles and rubber gloves should be worn when handling this acid, and containers of sulfuric acid should be stored in a wellventilated location, separated from organic substances and other combustible materials. Containers of sulfuric acid should be stored in secondary plastic trays to avoid corrosion of metal storage shelves due to drips or spills. Water should never be added to sulfuric acid because splattering may result; always add acid to water

Shipping

UN1830 Sulfuric acid with ＞51% acid or sulfuric acid with not ＞51% acid, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material. UN1831 Sulfuric acid, fuming with 30% or more free sulfur trioxide and Sulfuric acid, fuming, with ＜30% free sulfur trioxide, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material. UN1832 Sulfuric acid, spent, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material.

Purification Methods

Sulfuric acid, and also 30% fuming H2SO4, can be distilled in an all-Pyrex system, optionally from potassium persulfate. It has been purified by fractional crystallisation of the monohydrate from the liquid. It has a very strong dehydrating action and attacks skin—wash immediately with cold H2O; otherwise the skin can be scarred for life. It is very hygroscopic and has been used as a desiccant in desiccators. Dilution with H2O is highly exothermic, and because the concentrated acid is much more dense than H2O it is diluted by running the concentrated acid down the side of the container of H2O with slowly stirring while cooling the outside of the container. If these precautions are not taken, the H2O is likely to boil vigorously.

Incompatibilities

Avoid storage in close proximity to water, most common metals, organic materials, strong reducing agents, combustible materials, strong bases, carbonates, sulfides, cyanides, strong oxidizing agents, and carbides.
Sulfuric acid is a powerful oxidizer and may ignite or explode on contact with many materials.
It can react violently with the evolution of a large amount of heat. Oxides of sulfur and hydrogen can be generated during reactions.
Great care must be exercised when mixing with other liquids. Always add sulfuric acid to the diluent with great caution.

Incompatibilities

A strong acid and oxidizer. Reacts violently with water with dangerous spattering and evolution of heat. Reacts violently with combustible and reducing materials; bases, organic materials; chlorates, carbides, picrates, fulminates, water, powdered metals. Corrosive to most common metals forming explosive hydrogen gas.

Toxics Screening Level

The chronic ITSL for sulfuric acid, sulfur trioxide, and for oleum is 1 μg/m3 based on annual averaging time. The acute ITSL for sulfuric acid, sulfur trioxide, and for oleum is 120 μg/m3 based on a 1-hour averaging time.

Waste Disposal

Add slowly to solution of soda ash and slaked lime with stirring; flush to drain with large volumes of water. Recovery and reuse of spent sulfuric acid may be a viable alternative to disposal, and processes are available.

Regulatory Status

GRAS listed. Accepted for use as a food additive in Europe. Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (IM, IV, and IP injections, inhalation solutions, irrigation solutions, nasal, ophthalmic solutions and suspensions, oral solutions, and topical emulsions and creams). Included in nonparenteral and parenteral medicines licensed in Europe. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.
The United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988) lists sulfuric acid as a chemical frequently used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. In the USA, sulfuric acid is included in the list of essential or precursor chemicals established pursuant to the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act. Accordingly, transactions of sulfuric acid such as imports, exports, sales, and transfers are subject to regulation and monitoring by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Pesticide Type

Herbicide; Desiccant