Description of Sulfuric Acid:
Sulfuric Acid is a corrosive mineral acid with an oily, glassy appearance that gave it its earlier name of oil of vitriol.
It is soluble in water at all concentrations Its color depends on its purity, with compounds of sulfur adding a darker color to the colorless pure product.
Other names are sulfine acid, battery acid, and hydrogen sulfate. The starting material for sulfuric acid manufacture is clean, dry sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas.
This can be obtained by burning molten sulfur, from metallurgical off-gases or by decomposing spent sulfuric acid.
The Sulfine Acid formula, H2SO4, indicates the presence of a sulfur atom surrounded by two hydroxide compounds and two oxygen atoms.
This powerful acid is used in various industries, primarily in fertilizer and chemical production. It is the most commonly manufactured chemical in the world.
Viscosity has an indirect correlation with temperature: as temperatures increase, viscosity decreases. The increased viscosity of H2SO4 can be attributed to the its internal resistance to flow based upon the molecular, three-dimensional structural orientation and the electrical-attraction of its atomic constituents; that is, polar dipole moments and increased hydrogen bonding.
Application of Sulfuric Acid:
It is used for a variety of other purposes in the chemical industry. For example, it is the usual acid catalyst for the conversion of cyclohexanoneoxime to caprolactam, used for making nylon.
It is used for making hydrochloric acid from salt via the Mannheim process. Much H2SO4 is used in petroleum refining, for example as a catalyst for the reaction of isobutane with isobutylene to give isooctane, a compound that raises the octane rating of gasoline (petrol).
It is also important in the manufacture of dyestuffs.
Uses:
It is used in the following cases:
making fertilizers
in the production of steel and iron
chemical manufacturing industries
petroleum refining
produce phosphoric acid
cleaning agent in industries to remove the rust from steel and iron
catalyst to convert cyclohexanone oxime to caprolactam used to make nylon
lead-acid batteries as an electrolyte
making ammonium sulfate
storage batteries
Antifreeze
Synthetic resins
Pigments such as paint, enamels, and printing inks
Detergents
Pharmaceuticals
How should Sulfine Acid be stored?
Sulfine Acid must be stored in specific containers made of corrosion-resistant materials that will ensure the safety, stability, and longevity of the storage tank.
These considerations can change depending upon the H₂SO₄ solution’s specific concentration.
If not stored in proper containers with correct fittings and gaskets, corrosion can occur and the tank structural-integrity compromised, which can cause a containment breach leading to potentially significant safety concerns and costly repairs.
When evaluating storage containers, whether mixing or diluting of H₂SO₄ solutions will occur must be also be considered due to the exothermic reaction that can take place.
Sulfine Acid should be stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight, heat, and ignition sources, and that is separate from incompatible materials.
Bulk storage of H₂SO₄ must employ secondary containment measures to satisfactory mitigate exposure concerns in the event of a bulk material release.
A regular tank inspection and maintenance schedule should be employed for successful sulfuric acid storage.
Care for Sulfine Acid Exposure:
Exposure to Sulfine Acid can occur as skin/bodily contact, ingestion, or inhalation of vapors.
Each type of exposure can pose serious hazards to your health and should be managed immediately and appropriately by a medical professional to minimize damage and health risks.
Skin Contact – If It comes into contact with your skin, immediately flush the affected area gently with lukewarm water for at least 30 uninterrupted minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
Eye Contact – If It gets into your eyes, immediately flush the eye(s) with water for at least 30 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
Ingestion – If you ingest It, rinse your mouth immediately with water. Do not induce vomiting. Continually rinse your mouth with water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Inhalation – If you inhale It aerosols, seek fresh air and medical attention immediately.
Specification of Sulfine Acid:
| Vapour pressure | 0.001 mm Hg (20°C) |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 26.7 CP (20°C) |
| Odour | odourless |
| Melting point | 10°C |
| Density | 1.84 g/cm³ |
| Boiline ooint | 337°C (610 K) |
| Solubility in water | miscible |
| Molar mass | 98.079 g/mole |
