Sulphuric acid

Sulphuric acid

oil of vitriol; hydrogen sulfate

CAS 7664-93-9

Chemical Formula Hâ‚‚SOâ‚„

Molecular Weight 98.08 g/mol

Sulphuric acid, also known as hydrogen sulphate or oil of vitriol, is a colorless, viscous, and corrosive liquid with the chemical formula H2SO4. It is a strong, inorganic acid that is highly reactive and dissolves readily in water. Concentrated sulfuric acid is known for its dehydrating and oxidizing properties, making it a versatile chemical in various industrial processes, including the production of fertilizers, paints, and explosives.

Industrial Uses

1. Agrochemicals

  • Fertilizer Production: Sulphuric acid is used to create phosphoric acid, which is then used to manufacture phosphate fertilizers. It also plays a role in the production of ammonium sulfate, a crucial nitrogen fertilizer, particularly in sulfur-deficient soils.
  • Superphosphate of Lime: Sulphuric acid reacts with phosphate rock to produce superphosphate of lime, a widely used phosphate fertilizer.
  • Ammonium Sulfate: Sulphuric acid is used in the process of producing ammonium sulfate, which is an important source of both nitrogen and sulfur for plant growth.

2. Performance Chemicals

  • Catalyst: In many chemical reactions, sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst, speeding up the reaction rate without being consumed. 
  • Dehydrating Agent: It's used to remove water from organic compounds, such as in the dehydration of sugars.
  • Mannheim Process: Sulfuric acid is used to produce hydrochloric acid from salt (NaCl).

3. Energy

  • Lead-Acid Batteries: Sulphuric acid is a critical component of lead-acid batteries, which are widely used in automobiles, electric vehicles, and other applications. The acid acts as the electrolyte, facilitating the chemical reaction that generates electricity.
  • Catalyst in Biodiesel Production: Sulphuric acid is used as a catalyst in the transesterification process, which converts vegetable oils and animal fats into biodiesel.
  • Exhaust Gas Cleaning: Sulphuric acid is employed in the production of components for cleaning exhaust gases, which are vital for reducing emissions in various industries and transportation sectors.

4. Metal Treatment

  • Pickling: Sulfuric acid, often in a mixture with other chemicals, is used in steel pickling to remove rust and other surface layers. This process prepares the metal for subsequent coating, plating, or galvanizing.
  • Electroplating and Anodizing: Sulfuric acid is used in electroplating processes to prepare the metal surface for deposition of a coating. Sulfuric acid anodizing is a process where a thicker oxide layer is formed on the metal surface, enhancing its corrosion resistance.

5. Pharmacueticals

  • Synthesis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs): Sulphuric acid acts as a solvent and catalyst in the Performance Chemicals of various APIs, including alkylating agents used in chemotherapy.
  • Alkylating Agents: Alkylating agents, used in cancer treatment, are often produced with the aid of sulphuric acid.
  • Esterification and Dehydration Reactions: Sulphuric acid is used in pharmaceutical manufacturing for esterification reactions, dehydration processes, and as a catalyst in other chemical transformations.
  • Laboratory Applications: In pharmaceutical laboratories, sulphuric acid is used in titrations (acid-base titrations to determine solution concentrations), synthesis reactions, pH adjustment, and other analytical chemistry tasks.

6. Pulp & Paper Solutions

  • Pulp Bleaching: Sulfuric acid is used to generate chlorine dioxide, a bleaching agent in the chemical pulping process, particularly in the ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) method.  It helps in the delignification of pulp, removing lignin that contributes to the dark color of wood pulp.
  • pH Adjustment: Sulfuric acid helps lower the pH of the pulp slurry, which is beneficial for the effectiveness of retention aids and sizing agents used in paper production.

7. Water Treatment

  • pH Adjustment: Sulfuric acid is a strong acid, meaning it readily releases hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water. By adding sulfuric acid to wastewater, the pH can be lowered, bringing it to a more neutral or slightly acidic range. 
  • Neutralizing Alkaline Substances: Sulfuric acid can react with alkaline substances in wastewater, like calcium carbonate, forming a precipitate that can be easily removed. 
  • Catalyst in Desalination: In some cases, sulfuric acid is used as a catalyst to speed up reactions, such as in the production of phosphoric acid or in certain stages of desalination processes. 

Specifications

Assay 98%
Appearance Colorless to slightly yellow, oily liquid
Odor Odorless
Boiling Point 337°C
Melting Point 10.3°C
Density 1.84 g/cm3
Solubility Fully miscible with water (exothermic reaction); soluble in ethanol
Viscosity 24.2 cP at 25°C
Flash Point Not flammable; however, it is a strong oxidizer and highly corrosive

Hazard Symbols

Corrosives
Irritants/Sensitisers/Other Hazards
Environmental Hazard

FAQs

1. What is the current price of Sulphuric acid in India?
The price of Sulphuric acid can vary based on factors such as purity, quantity, etc. For the most accurate and competitive pricing, please contact us at +91.6301 00 6301 directly for a customized quote tailored to your needs.

2. Where can I buy Sulphuric acid in India?
You can purchase Sulphuric acid from MULTICHEM, a leading exporter with a reputation for quality and reliability. We provide convenient options for bulk orders and direct shipments across global markets. For more details on how to place an order, please visit our website or contact our sales team.

3. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Sulphuric acid? 
Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Sulphuric acid is designed to cater to both small-scale and large-scale needs. The MOQ depends on the packing size of the product which could range from 25 kg to 250kg.

4. How can I ensure the quality of Sulphuric acid supplied by Multichem?
We adhere to stringent quality control processes to ensure that our products meet the highest standards of purity and effectiveness. They undergo rigorous testing and quality checks to guarantee that they comply with industry specifications. We provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with every shipment to ensure transparency and quality assurance.