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Sulfuric acid, also known as H₂SO₄, is one of the most important chemical compounds used in industry and daily life. As one of the strongest acids, it has a wide range of applications, ranging from the production of fertilizers to the cleaning of metals. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the properties, applications, and safe handling of sulfuric acid.

Properties of Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid is a colorless, oily liquid with a high boiling point of about 330°C. It is one of the strongest acids that exists and has a pH value of about 0-1. Due to its high reactivity, sulfuric acid is capable of decomposing or oxidizing many substances. This often generates a lot of heat, which can lead to dangerous situations if handled improperly.

Another important property of sulfuric acid is its hygroscopy, meaning its ability to absorb water from the ambient air. Therefore, sulfuric acid must always be stored in well-sealed containers to prevent dilution.

Applications of Sulfuric Acid

The versatile properties of sulfuric acid make it an indispensable raw material in industry. Some of the most important application areas are:

Fertilizer production

Sulfuric acid is an important component in the production of phosphate fertilizers. Through reaction with phosphate rock, superphosphate is created, a widely used fertilizer.

Metal cleaning and processing

Sulfuric acid is used to remove oxides and impurities from metal surfaces. It is also used in electroplating and metal pickling.

Chemical Industry

In the chemical industry, sulfuric acid serves as a starting material for the production of many other important chemicals such as nitric acid, oleum, or sulfates.

Batteries

Lead-acid batteries, such as those used in cars, contain sulfuric acid as an electrolyte.

Laboratory Applications

In the chemical laboratory, sulfuric acid is frequently used as a reagent to carry out reactions or digest samples.

Medical Applications

In medicine, sulfuric acid is used as a component of pharmaceuticals or disinfectants.

Safe Handling of Sulfuric Acid

Since sulfuric acid is such a strong acid, extreme caution must be exercised during its handling. When dealing with sulfuric acid, several safety rules must be observed:

Personal Protective Equipment

When handling sulfuric acid, wearing appropriate protective equipment such as safety goggles, gloves, and an apron is essential. This can prevent injuries from splashes or contact with the acid.

Storage and Transport

Sulfuric acid must always be stored in tightly sealed, shatterproof containers. The storage area should be well-ventilated and protected from direct sunlight. During transport, secure packaging must be ensured.

Dilution

When diluting concentrated sulfuric acid with water, a lot of heat is generated. Therefore, the acid must be added slowly and with constant stirring into the water, never the reverse.

First Aid

In case of an accident with sulfuric acid, eyes, skin, or swallowed amounts must be immediately rinsed or washed out with plenty of water. Subsequently, medical help should be sought immediately.

By observing these safety measures, handling sulfuric acid can be made safe. Its versatile applications make sulfuric acid an important raw material in industry and research.

Conclusion

Sulfuric acid is a powerful chemical compound with numerous applications. However, its properties as a strong acid require special precautions during handling. By following safety rules and using appropriate protective equipment, sulfuric acid can be safely and efficiently used in many areas. Its importance as an industrial raw material will continue to grow in the future.