Question

Sulphuric acid has highest importance in chemical industry. Why?

Answer 1

Sulphuric acid is a chemical of major industrial importance. It is difficult to imagine life without it. Since, it is used in the manufacturing of a vast array of materials. Sulphuric acid can either be Concentrated or Diluted.

• Concentrated sulphuric acid is a colourless, viscous liquid that absorbs water vapour from the air and becomes a solution. It is hygroscopic. It is a good dehydrating agent and shows some oxidising ability.

• Dilute sulphuric acid behaves like a typical acid, reacting with metals to give hydrogen and a metal sulphate (i.e. it is corrosive), with metal carbonates to give carbon dioxide, water, and a metal sulphate and with bases give a metal sulphate and water.

Sulphuric acid has highest importance in chemical industry as :
1.Sulphuric acid is used in manufacturing fertilizers such as super phosphate, ammonium sulphate etc.
2.Sulphuric acid is used in the manufacture of dyes.
3.Nitric acid is used in the manufacture of paints.
4.Sulphuric acid is used in the manufacture of drugs.
5.Sulphuric acid is used in the manufacture of explosives.
6.Sulphuric acid is used in batteries, which is used in cars.
7.Tannic acid is used in the manufacture of ink and leather.
8.Hydrochloric acid is used to make aqua regia, which is used to dissolve noble metals such as gold and platinum.
9.Sulphuric acid is used in the manufacture of jet fuel, kerosene and leather.