Preparation of Sulphuric Acid by Contact process

We will first start by addressing the question of what is sulphuric acid. Well, sulphuric acid is basically an oxidizing agent, a strong mineral acid, and a dehydrating agent. Sulphuric acid has the chemical formula H₂SO₄.

The acid is a colourless liquid. It is soluble in water and generally releases heat on contact. Further, the acid is corrosive in nature to metals and tissues. It will even char wood and most other organic matter on contact, but chances of objects catching fire are null. The acid has a density of 15 lb/gal. Exposure to the acid can result in adverse health effects from inhalation. It depends on the rate of exposure and concentration.

Table of Contents

• • Contact process for manufacturing of sulphuric acid
  • Uses of Sulphuric Acid
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Contact process for manufacturing of sulphuric acid:

Steps involved in the manufacturing of sulphuric acid are as stated below:

• • • 1. Preparation of sulphur dioxide.
      2. Conversion of sulphur dioxide into sulphur trioxide.
      3. Conversion of sulphur trioxide formed into concentrated H₂SO₄.

Step 1: Preparation of sulphur dioxide:

SO₂ is prepared by burning sulphur in the presence of excess air so that the product combines with oxygen which is helpful for the next stage.

S(s) + O₂ (g) → SO₂(g)

Step 2: Preparation of sulphur trioxide:

Sulphur trioxide is formed when sulphur dioxide reacts with oxygen in a ratio of 1:1 at a temperature of 400 °C – 450°C and a pressure of 1-2 atm in the presence of V₂O₅ as a catalyst. This reaction is reversible in nature.

2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) ⇌ 2SO₃(g)

Step 3: Preparation of concentrated sulphuric acid:

The sulphur trioxide formed is first made to react with concentrated sulphuric acid. Sulphur trioxide cannot be dissolved in water directly as it leads to the formation of fog. The product obtained after this reaction is known as oleum. The oleum obtained is then dissolved in water to obtain concentrated sulphuric acid.

H₂SO₄ + SO₃(g) → H₂S₂O₇(l)

H₂S₂O₇(l) + H₂O(l) → 2H₂SO₄

Uses of Sulphuric Acid

In Industries:

• • • • Up to 50 per cent of this liquid manufactured is used in the production of phosphoric acid which is in turn used to make phosphate fertilizers.
      • It is used in the manufacturing of metals such as copper, zinc etc.
      • 5 per cent of the produced acid is used in the making of fibres.

In Domestic Environments:

• • • • Used in acidic drain cleaners.
      • Due to its strong dehydrating property, it can be used to remove the tissue paper.

As a Catalyst:

• • • • Used as a catalyst in the manufacturing process of nylon.
      • Used in the Manheim process in the manufacturing of HCl.
      • Used in petroleum refining.

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