Sulfuric Acid Inorganic Chemicals and Compounds
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive inorganic acid that is soluble in water. It is a strong dibasic acid, meaning it can donate two protons per molecule in a chemical reaction. This acid is a fundamental raw material in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries worldwide, often used as an indicator of industrial activity due to its widespread application in manufacturing processes.
Working Principle
Sulfuric acid works by elevating the hydrogen concentration in an aqueous solution, which makes it a strong acid. It can act as a reducing acid, an oxidizing acid, and a dehydrating agent. These properties make it versatile in various chemical reactions, allowing it to facilitate the production of numerous compounds and materials. Its ability to donate protons and participate in redox reactions makes it a critical component in many industrial processes.
Applications
Sulfuric acid is used extensively in the manufacture of phosphate and nitrogen-based fertilizers, which are crucial for agriculture. In the petrochemical sector, it is employed in alkylation and paraffin refining processes. The inorganic chemical industry uses sulfuric acid in the production of chromic and hydrofluoric acids, as well as aluminum sulfate and sodium sulfate. Additionally, the organic chemical industry utilizes sulfuric acid in the production of explosives, soaps, detergents, dyes, isocyanates, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.
Advantages over other Inorganic Chemicals and Compounds
Sulfuric acid's versatility as a reducing, oxidizing, and dehydrating agent gives it an edge over other inorganic acids, which may not possess all these properties. Its strong acidic nature allows it to participate in a wide range of chemical reactions, making it indispensable in various industrial applications. This broad applicability is a significant advantage over other inorganic chemicals that may have more limited uses.
Limitations
One of the primary limitations of sulfuric acid is its highly corrosive nature, which can lead to severe corrosion problems in chemical plants where it is used. This necessitates the use of specialized materials and equipment to handle and store the acid safely, increasing the complexity and cost of its use in industrial settings.
Considerations
When considering the use of sulfuric acid, it is important to account for the initial costs associated with specialized equipment and materials required to handle its corrosive nature. Operating expenses may also be higher due to the need for regular maintenance and replacement of equipment exposed to the acid. Durability and accuracy in processes involving sulfuric acid can be affected by its corrosive properties, necessitating careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and safety.
from Chemical Strategies, Inc.
Chemical Strategies offers over 3,000 products by Columbus Chemical, Inc. If you are unable to locate a chemical you need, our sales department can custom source any needed materials for you directly. [See More]
- Acids: All Inorganic Acids; Sulfuric Acid
- Salts: All Inorganic Salts
from Poly Scientific
Sulfuric Acid 0.6% Aqueous [See More]
- Acids: All Inorganic Acids; Sulfuric Acid
- State of Matter: Liquids
- Chemical Name: Sulfuric Acid 0.6% Aqueous
from GFS Chemicals, Inc.
ITEM#:628. H2SO4. CAS#:7664-93-9. F.W.:98.09. NFPA#:3-0-3. Specific Gravity: 1.840. DOT:8/II. Descriptions: Specification. TEST. 1. Assay 95.0-98.0%. 2. Appearance-Free of suspended or particulate matter. 3. Color (APHA) 10 max. 4. Residue after ignition 0.0005%. 5. Chloride 0.00002%. 6. Nitrate... [See More]
- Acids: All Inorganic Acids; Sulfuric Acid
- CAS Number: 7664-93-9
- Chemical Formula: H2SO4
- State of Matter: Liquids
from Wintersun Chemical
Sulfuric Acid [See More]
- Acids: All Inorganic Acids; Sulfuric Acid
- Chemical Formula: H2SO4
- Chemical Name: Sulfuric Acid
- CAS Number: 7664-93-9
from Linde North America, Inc.
Supplying ultra-pure chemicals for the global microelectronics industry through our joint venture with AUECC. We supply chemicals for electronic manufacturing though our joint venture with Asia Union Electronic Chemical Corporation (AUECC), a leading supplier of wet process chemicals to high-tech... [See More]
- Acids: All Inorganic Acids; Hydrochloric Acid (HCl); Sulfuric Acid; Nitric Acid (HNO3); Phosphoric Acid; Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)
- Bases: All Inorganic Bases; Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda); Ammonium Hydroxide (Amonia Water)
- Type: Bio-Inorganic Compounds
- Chemical Name: Ammonium Fluoride, Ammonium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Hydrofluoric Acid, Hydrogen Peroxide, Phosphoric Acid, Nitric Acid
from Esprix Technologies
Esprix offers a full range of chemicals for micro and macro (PCB) applications. Products include oxidizing compounds, corrosion inhibitors, chelating compounds, solvents, and surfactants. Acids/bases: HF, Hydrochloric, Nitric, Acetic, Sulfuric, phosphoric, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. [See More]
- Acids: All Inorganic Acids; Sulfuric Acid
- State of Matter: Liquids
- Chemical Name: Sulfuric Acid
from Chemical Strategies, Inc.
Chemical Strategies offers over 3,000 products by JT Baker. If you are unable to locate a chemical you need, our sales department can custom source any needed materials for you directly. [See More]
- Acids: All Inorganic Acids; Sulfuric Acid