Brennisteinssýra

Brennisteinssýra is the Icelandic word for sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive, strong mineral acid with the chemical formula H2SO4. It is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid that is miscible with water. In industrial production, sulfuric acid is typically manufactured through the contact process, which involves the oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, followed by hydration.

Sulfuric acid is one of the most important industrial chemicals produced globally. Its uses are vast and varied, spanning numerous sectors. It is extensively used in the production of fertilizers, particularly superphosphates and ammonium sulfate. The petroleum refining industry utilizes sulfuric acid as a catalyst and as a reagent for removing impurities from gasoline and other petroleum products. In the metallurgical industry, it is employed for pickling steel, a process that removes rust and scale from steel surfaces before further processing like galvanizing or electroplating.

Furthermore, sulfuric acid plays a critical role in the manufacturing of explosives, dyes, pigments, detergents, and other chemicals. It is also used in lead-acid batteries as the electrolyte. Due to its corrosive nature, handling sulfuric acid requires strict safety precautions, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and working in well-ventilated areas. Spills can cause severe burns and damage to materials.