Sulfuric acid - the oily colourless liquid which does not have a smell. Treats strong acids and it is dissolved in water in any ratios. Has enormous application in the industry.
Sulfuric acid - quite heavy liquid, its density makes 1.84 g/cm³. It has ability to extend water from gases and crystal substances. At dissolution of sulfuric acid in water the huge amount of warmth is distinguished therefore acid spraying is possible. At hit on skin of the person even in small quantities causes severe burns. That to avoid it, it is necessary to add acid to water, and not vice versa.
Receiving sulfuric acid
The method by means of which sulfuric acid is received commercially is called contact. At first in the special furnace there is a roasting of damp pyrite (bivalent sulfide of iron). As a result of such reaction, sulphurous gas (sulfur dioxide), oxygen and water vapor as damp pyrite was used is emitted. The emitted gases come to a drying compartment where get rid of water vapors and also to the special centrifuge to remove all possible impurity of firm particles.
Further from oxide of sulfur (IV) by means of reaction of oxidation receive sulfuric gas. At the same time use pentavalent oxide of vanadium as the catalyst. Reaction can go to both parties, it is reversible. That it proceeded only in one direction, in the reactor certain temperature and pressure are created. Sulfuric gas is dissolved in in advance prepared sulfuric acid for receiving an oleum which then goes to a finished goods warehouse.
Chemical properties of sulfuric acid
Sulfuric acid has ability to accept electrons, it is strong oxidizer. The concentrated and diluted sulfuric acid have different chemical properties. The diluted sulfuric acid is capable to dissolve metals which stand more to the left of hydrogen among tension. Among them: zinc, magnesium, lithium and others. The concentrated sulfuric acid can decompose some halogen acids (except salt as sulfuric acid is not capable to restore a chlorine ion).
Use of sulfuric acid
Thanks to the unique ability to extend water from substances, sulfuric acid is often applied to drainage of gases. With its help produce dyes, mineral fertilizers (phosphoric and nitric), smoke-generating substances, various synthetic detergents. Quite often it is used as electrolyte for lead accumulators as sulfuric acid cannot dissolve lead.