Sulfuric Acid Formula H2SO4, Structure & Properties

Sulfuric Acid Formula, Structure, Properties, Reactions, Safety Tips And SDSs

Other Sulfuric Acid Chemical And Physical Property Details

Density: 1.8302 g/cm3, liquid[1]
Melting point: 10.31[1] °C (50.56 °F; 283.46 K)
Boiling point: 337[1] °C (639 °F; 610 K) When sulfuric acid is above 300 °C (572 °F; 573 K), it gradually decomposes to SO3 + H2O
Solubility in water: miscible, exothermic
Vapor pressure: 0.001 mmHg (20 °C)[2]
Acidity (pKa): -2.8 , 1.99
Conjugate base: Bisulfate
Viscosity: 26.7 cP (20 °C)

Sulfuric Acid Structure

Formula and structure: The chemical formula of sulfuric acid is H2SO4 and its molecular weight is 98.079 g/mol. Its chemical structure is shown here. The sulfur atom is bound to two oxygen atoms through double bonds, and two hydroxyl groups (OH) through single bonds.

Sulfuric Acid Charge

Explanation: In sulfuric acid, the molecular formula is H2SO4 . Oxygen almost always has an oxidation number of −2 , so 4 oxygen atoms means the charge is 8− . Sulfur, in this case, has an oxidation number of +6 , which means that SO4 ion has an overall charge of 2− . Read more here.

Sulfuric Acid Chemical 3D Structure Model Depiction

Sulfuric Acid 2D Chemical Structure Depiction

Sulfuric Acid Lewis Structure

YouTube Video Titled "H2SO4 Lewis Structure - Sulfuric Acid"
Uploaded to YouTube on July 19, 2020 by the Organic Chemistry Tutor

Watch How-To Sulfuric Acid Demonstration Videos On YouTube

Sulfuric Acid Reactions

Use concentrated sulfuric acid (95-98%) and sulfuric acid 93% (92-94%) carefully because these concentrations react with water, sodium hydroxide, alcohol, sugar, aluminum, bases, metals and calcium carbonate.
Sulfuric acid reacts violently with alcohol and water to release heat.
Read a sulfuric acid safety guide, here.
Watch a cool science demonstration video to see the power of concentrated sulfuric acid on YouTube.

Sulfuric Acid Safety Precautions

Sulfuric Acid Safety Tips

Take safety precautions to avoid sulfuric acid leaks and spills and wear acid resistant protective clothing.
Wear nitrile or natural rubber gloves for prolonged contact with sulfuric acid.
Learn how to use sulfuric acid safely at work or home by downloading and reading Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), here.
On this page, you can watch sulfuric acid safety videos and read informative OSHA sulfuric acid safety guidelines.
Learn how to use sulfuric acid in your home or at work without being harmed by this highly useful, but corrosive chemical.
If you or someone you are with has an exposure to sulfuric acid, call your local emergency number such as 911.
You can also contact your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the Poison Help hotline, at 1-800-222-1222, from anywhere in the United States.

Read And Download PDFs Of Sulfuric Acid Risks In Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

Because sulfuric acid is very corrosive (HAZMAT Class 8), learn how to avoid getting burned or killed, by reading about basic sulfuric acid safety precautions and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE).

Download Safety Data Sheets (formerly MSDS) for various grades and concentrations of sulfuric acid.

Typical Grades, Concentrations And Common Names For Sulfuric Acid

Diluted Sulfuric Acid Is <29% Concentration
Battery Acid (used in lead–acid batteries) Is 29–32% Concentration
Chamber Acid Or Fertilizer Acid Is 62–70% Concentration
Tower Acid Or Glover Acid Is 78–80% Concentration
66 °Bé ("66-degree Baumé") Acid Is 93.2% Concentration
Concentrated Sulfuric Acid Is 98.3% Concentration

Sulfuric Acid Synonyms, Identifiers And Grades

Alternative Names And Synonyms For Sulfuric Acid

Synonyms include Oil of Vitriol (OV), Vitriolic acid, Hydrogen sulfate, and Oleum. It is also spelled sulphuric acid.

Sulfuric Acid Identifiers

CAS Number: 7664-93-9
3D model (JSmol) Interactive image
ChEBI: CHEBI:26836
ChEMBL: ChEMBL572964
ChemSpider: 1086
ECHA InfoCard: 100.028.763
EC Number: 231-639-5
E number: E513 (acidity regulators, ...)
Gmelin Reference: 2122
KEGG: D05963
PubChem CID: 1118
RTECS number: WS5600000
UNII: O40UQP6WCF
UN number: 1830
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID5029683

Grades Of Sulfuric Acid

Mass fraction H2SO4: <29%, Density (kg/L): 1.00-1.25, Common Name: diluted sulfuric acid
Mass fraction H2SO4: 29–32%, Density (kg/L): 1.25–1.28, Common Name: battery acid (used in lead–acid batteries)
Mass fraction H2SO4: 62–70%, Density (kg/L): 1.52–1.60, Common Name: chamber acid fertilizer acid
Mass fraction H2SO4: 78–80%, Density (kg/L): 1.70–1.73, Common Name: tower acid, Glover acid

Sulfuric Acid Reactions With Other Chemicals

Sulfuric Acid With Sodium Hydroxide

2NaOH + H2SO4 = Na2SO4 + 2H2O. If there is insufficient amount of NaOH, sodium bisulphate will also be formed. NaOH + H2SO4 = NaHSO4 +H2O. The reaction is highly exothermic as enormous amount of heat is liberated. Read more here.

Sulfuric Acid With Potassium Hydroxide

Potassium hydroxide reacts with sulfuric acid. ... the reactants are potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. the products are potassium sulfate and water. the word equation is: potassium hydroxide + sulfuric acid → potassium sulfate + water. Read more here.

Concentrated Sulfuric Acid With Sodium Iodide

Sodium iodide react with sulfuric acid to produce iodine, hydrogen sulfide, sodium bisulfate and water. Sulfuric acid - concentrated solution. This reaction takes place at a temperature of 30-50°C.

How Does Hydrogen Bromide [HBr] React With Concentrated Sulfuric Acid?

Hydrogen bromide react with sulfuric acid to produce bromine, sulfur dioxide and water. Sulfuric acid and hydrogen bromide - concentrated solutions.

Sulfuric Acid With Sodium Hydroxide

Why Concentrated Sulfuric Acid Is Used In Esterification

Esterification is a relatively slow process at room temperature and does not proceed to completion. Concentrated sulfuric acid is used as a catalyst, and has a dual role: Speeds up the reaction. Acts as a dehydrating agent, forcing the equilibrium to the right and resulting in a greater yield of ester.

Sulfuric acid is needed as a catalyst in an esterification reaction. Sulfuric acid provides the hydronium ions that protonate the carbonyl oxygen and make the carbonyl carbon a better electrophile. Even if you are using concentrated sulfuric acid, it contains 2 % water, so hydronium ions are present.

Sulfuric Acid With Water

When you mix concentrated sulfuric acid and water, you pour the acid into a larger volume of water. Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) reacts very vigorously with water in a highly exothermic reaction. If you add water to concentrated sulfuric acid, it can boil and spit and you may get a nasty acid burn. Read more here.

Sulfuric Acid With Hydrochloric Acid

The strength of reaction and the extent of oxidation will depend on concentration of H2SO4 both hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid are just ions dissolved in water at a certain percentage (i.e. 30%) So, mixing them will just be an aqueous solution, say 15%HCl and 20%H2SO4, a stronger or a weaker acid depending on the ratios you mix it in and the original concentration of each. Read more here.

Overview Of Sulfuric Acid

Information On Sulfurc Acid From PubChem

Sulfuric acid is a colorless oily liquid. It is soluble in water with release of heat. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. It will char wood and most other organic matter on contact, but is unlikely to cause a fire. Density 15 lb / gal. Long term exposure to low concentrations or short term exposure to high concentrations can result in adverse health effects from inhalation.

It is used to make fertilizers and other chemicals, in petroleum refining, in iron and steel production, and for many other uses. Rate of onset: Immediate Persistence: Hours, days Odor threshold: Source/use/other hazard: Battery/dyes/paper/glue/metals industries; volcanic gas; toxic fumes when heated.

Sulfuric acid is a sulfur oxoacid that consists of two oxo and two hydroxy groups joined covalently to a central sulfur atom. It has a role as a catalyst. It is a conjugate acid of a hydrogensulfate. Sulfuric acid, spent appears as a black oily liquid. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Density 15 lb /gal. Read more here.

Information About Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric Acid Description: Sulfuric acid is a colorless oily liquid. It is soluble in water with release of heat. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. It will char wood and most other organic matter. It is a colorless, odorless, and syrupy liquid that is soluble in water and is synthesized in reactions that are highly exothermic.
Alternate Names: ‎Battery Acid, Oil Of Vitriol, Sulphuric Acid, Vitriol, Hydrogen Sulfate, Spirit Of Vitriol
Sulfuric Acid Grades: ACS Reagent Grade, Technical Grade, Laboratory Grade, Analytical Reagent (AR) Grade
Sulfuric acid is inorganic because it doesn't contain carbon atoms bonded to oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen atoms.
Mineral Acid: Sulfuric acid (alternative spelling sulphuric acid), also known as vitriol, is a mineral acid composed of the elements sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen, with molecular formula H2 SO4. It is a colorless, odorless, and syrupy liquid that is soluble in water and is synthesized in reactions that are highly exothermic.
How To Make Sulfuric Acid At Home: Sulfuric acid is a useful acid to have on hand for a variety of home chemistry projects.
The Power of Sulfuric Acid - Cool Science Demo (Video)
Sulfuric Acid - Periodic Table of Videos (Video)
Bulk Sulfuric Acid For Sale: Lab Alley, headquartered in Austin, Texas is a supplier and distributor of concentrated sulfuric acid. Call 512-668-18 to inquire about wholesale prices for bulk orders of concentrated sulfuric acid.
LabAlley.com/collections/sulfuric-acid is where to buy sulfuric acid for batteries.
Buy gold recovery chemicals and gold refining chemicals online at LabAlley.com/pages/Buy-Gold-Recovery-Chemicals.

Identification Of Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric Acid | Structure, Formula, Uses, & Facts

Sulfuric acid, sulfuric also spelled sulphuric (H2SO4), also called oil of vitriol, or hydrogen sulfate, dense, colorless, oily, corrosive liquid; one of the most important of all chemicals, prepared industrially by the reaction of water with sulfur trioxide (see sulfur oxide), which in turn is made by chemical combination of sulfur dioxide and oxygen either by the contact process or the chamber process.

In various concentrations the acid is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, pigments, dyes, drugs, explosives, detergents, and inorganic salts and acids, as well as in petroleum refining and metallurgical processes.

In one of its most familiar applications, sulfuric acid serves as the electrolyte in lead–acid storage batteries. Pure sulfuric acid has a specific gravity of 1.830 at 25 °C (77 °F); it freezes at 10.37 °C (50.7 °F).

When heated, the pure acid partially decomposes into water and sulfur trioxide; the latter escapes as a vapour until the concentration of the acid falls to 98.3 percent. This mixture of sulfuric acid and water boils at a constant temperature of 338 °C (640 °F) at one atmosphere pressure. Sulfuric acid is commonly supplied at concentrations of 78, 93, or 98 percent.

Sulfuric acid is a very strong acid; in aqueous solutions it ionizes completely to form hydronium ions (H3O+) and hydrogen sulfate ions (HSO4−). In dilute solutions the hydrogen sulfate ions also dissociate, forming more hydronium ions and sulfate ions (SO42−).

In addition to being an oxidizing agent, reacting readily at high temperatures with many metals, carbon, sulfur, and other substances, concentrated sulfuric acid is also a strong dehydrating agent, combining violently with water; in this capacity, it chars many organic materials, such as wood, paper, or sugar, leaving a carbonaceous residue.

The term fuming sulfuric acid, or oleum, is applied to solutions of sulfur trioxide in 100 percent sulfuric acid; these solutions, commonly containing 20, 40, or 65 percent sulfur trioxide, are used for the preparation of organic chemicals. Read more here.

Use Of Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid is an important commercial chemical used to make fertilizers, explosives, dyestuffs and other chemicals. It is used in petroleum refining, ore processing, paper manufacturing, battery manufacturing, leather industries, printing and jewelry making. In some countries it is used in agriculture, as a desiccant on potatoes, flax and bulbs. It is used as a sanitizer for food processing and dairy facilities. EXPOSURE: Workers that use sulfuric acid may breathe in mists or have direct skin contact. The general population may be exposed to sulfuric acid when breathing in ambient air or dermal contact with products containing sulfuric acid, such as the material that forms on car battery terminals or battery acid itself. Sulfuric acid is formed when some types of toilet bowl cleaners mix with water. One chemical released when cutting onions mixes with the water in the eye to form sulfuric acid which causes tearing. If sulfuric acid is released to the environment, it will be broken down gradually in air. Sulfuric acid released to air will also be in or on particles that eventually fall to the ground. Sulfuric acid contributes to the formation of acid rain. It is expected to be broken down by sunlight. Sulfuric acid is present in the air mainly from the hydrolysis of sulfur oxides produced by combustion, both natural and burning coal, oil and gas. It will not move into air from moist soil and water surfaces. It is expected to move easily through soil. Under certain conditions it will be broken down by microorganisms. Sulfuric acid exposed to air is rapidly taken up by water and produces white fumes. Read more here.

Sulfuric Acid PH

Since sulfuric acid is a strong acid, a 0.50 M solution of sulfuric acid has a pH close to zero. For more information on sulfuric acid PH values, click here.

Sulfuric Acid Discovery And History

Today, it is generally considered that sulfuric acid was first called oil of vitriol when Islamic alchemist, astronomer, and physicist Jabir ibn Hayyan (c. 721−c. 815) discovered it in the eighth century. European alchemists also called it oil of vitriol, along with spirit of vitriol and vitriol.

The discovery of sulfuric acid is credited to the 8th century alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan. It was studied later by the 9th century physician and alchemist Ibn Zakariya al-Razi (Rhases).

How Sulfuric Acid Is Used And Manufactured

Sulfuric acid is a very important commodity chemical, and indeed, a nation's sulfuric acid production is a good indicator of its industrial strength. Most of the sulfuric acid is consumed for fertilizers, particularly superphosphates, ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfates. About 20% is used in chemical industry for production of detergents, synthetic resins, dyestuffs, pharmaceuticals, petroleum catalysts, insecticides and antifreeze, as well as in various processes such as oil well acidizing, aluminum reduction, paper sizing, water treatment. About 6% of uses are related to pigments and include paints, enamels, printing inks, coated fabrics and paper, and the rest is dispersed into a multitude of applications such as production of explosives, cellophane, acetate and viscose textiles, lubricants, non-ferrous metals, and batteries.

Sulfuric acid is a dense, oily liquid that can be colorless to brown, depending on the purity. It can also exist as ice- or fiber-like crystals or as a gas. Sulfuric acid is also called battery acid. It is odorless with a strong acid taste. Sulfuric acid reacts violently with water, generating much heat. It is highly corrosive. USE: Sulfuric acid is an important commercial chemical used to make fertilizers, explosives, dyestuffs and other chemicals. It is used in petroleum refining, ore processing, paper manufacturing, battery manufacturing, leather industries, printing and jewelry making. In some countries it is used in agriculture, as a desiccant on potatoes, flax and bulbs. It is used as a sanitizer for food processing and dairy facilities.

Sulfuric acid is manufactured from sulfur, oxygen and water via the conventional contact process (DCDA) or the wet sulfuric acid process (WSA).

What Is Sulfuric Acid Used For?

The major use of sulfuric acid is in the production of fertilizers, e.g., superphosphate of lime and ammonium sulfate. It is widely used in the manufacture of chemicals, e.g., in making hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfate salts, synthetic detergents, dyes and pigments, explosives, and drugs. Read more here.

Sulfuric Acid Risks And Hazards

How Dangerous Is Sulfuric Acid?

Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive chemical that is potentially explosive in concentrated form. It can cause severe skin burns, can irritate the nose and throat and cause difficulties breathing if inhaled, can burn the eyes and possibly cause blindness, and can burn holes in the stomach if swallowed. Read more here.

Sulfuric Acid Risks

Sulfuric acid is very irritating and corrosive to the skin, eyes, respiratory track and gastrointestinal track. Ingestion of sulfuric acid can burn the mouth and throat, and erode the stomach; death can occur. Direct eye contact can result in blindness.

High concentrations in air may make it difficult to breathe, especially for those with asthma or during strenuous exercise.

Chronic lung disease (bronchitis, fibrosis, emphysema), reduced lung function, and tooth decay have been reported occurred following occupational exposure to sulfuric acid.

Increased tumors in the respiratory tract (nasal passages, larynx, lung) have been associated with occupational exposure to sulfuric acid in various industries.

These studies are limited by co-exposure to several other workplace chemicals and/or tobacco smoke; however, the large number of studies reporting tumors suggests that sulfuric acid is a carcinogen.

Data on the potential for sulfuric acid to cause infertility, abortion, or birth defects in humans were not available. No evidence for increased abortion or birth defects were observed in laboratory animals that breathed moderate levels of sulfuric acid during pregnancy.

Data on the potential for sulfuric acid to cause infertility in laboratory animals were not available.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer and the U.S. National Toxicology Program 13th Report on Carcinogens determined that occupational exposure to strong inorganic mists containing sulfuric acid is carcinogenic to humans, based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in humans.

The potential for sulfuric acid to cause cancer in humans has not been assessed by the U.S. EPA IRIS program. Read more here.

Sulfuric Acid Is Dangerous | Hazards And Safety Information

If sulfuric acid makes direct contact with the eyes, it can cause permanent blindness. If ingested, this chemical may cause internal burns, irreversible organ damage, and possibly death. Exposure to sulfuric acid aerosols at high concentrations leads to severe eye and respiratory tract irritation and tissue damage.

Sulfuric acid is 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.

Can Sulfuric Acid Kill You?

Yes Sulfuric acid can kill you. Here is info about sulfuric acid poisoning. How well a patient does depends on how fast the poison is diluted and neutralized. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, eyes, lungs, esophagus, nose, and stomach are possible. Read more here.

What To Do If You Get Sulfuric Acid On Your Skin

Flush skin that was contaminated with sulfuric acid with soap and lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes. Do not scrub or rub skin. If strong concentrations of gas or solution penetrate clothing, remove clothing and flush the skin with water.