rikkihapot

Rikkihappo, known in English as sulfuric acid, is a mineral acid with the chemical formula H2SO4. It is a strong diprotic acid that dissociates in water to form HSO4− and, to a lesser extent, SO4^2−. It is one of the most widely produced and used industrial chemicals.

Physical properties include a colorless, very viscous liquid that is highly hygroscopic. Concentrated sulfuric acid (~98%) has a density of about 1.84 g/cm3 at room temperature and a boiling point of 337 °C. It is inert in a dry sense but reacts vigorously with water, organic materials, and many metals. It readily forms hydrates and acts as a powerful dehydrating agent.

Production and uses: sulfuric acid is primarily produced by the contact process, in which sulfur dioxide is oxidized to sulfur trioxide over a vanadium(V) oxide catalyst, and the SO3 is absorbed in water to yield H2SO4. The acid is central to fertilizer production (notably phosphate fertilizers via phosphate rock processing), but also used in ammonium sulfate production, petroleum refining, chemical synthesis, and as a drying or dehydrating agent in various industrial processes. It is a major component in lead-acid batteries and serves in many pH- and chemical-processing applications.

Reactions and hazards: sulfuric acid is highly corrosive to skin, eyes, and respiratory tissue and reacts violently with water. It forms sulfates with bases and can oxidize certain substances, particularly under concentrated conditions, while concentrating acids can char or carbonize organic matter through dehydration. Handling requires resistant materials, proper ventilation, eye and skin protection, and careful dilution. Spills are hazardous to the environment and should be contained and neutralized with appropriate agents.

History: sulfuric acid has been known since antiquity and was historically referred to as oil of vitriol. Modern large-scale production emerged in the 19th century with the development of the contact process, making it a foundational industrial chemical.