Question

Which one is known as 'Oil of vitriol'?

• A. ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_3$
• B. ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$
• C. ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{S}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_7$
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B

${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$

Explanation for correct option

(B) ${\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathbf{SO}}_{\mathbf{4}}$

Oxoacids of Sulfur

• Sulfur, hydrogen, and oxygen-containing compounds are known as oxyacids of sulfur.
• These oxoacids typically have a minimum of one $\mathrm{S}=\mathrm{O}$ bond and one $\mathrm{S}-\mathrm{OH}$ bond.
• examples: Sulfurous acid $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_3\right)$, Sulfuric acid $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4\right)$ and Thiosulfuric acid $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{S}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\right)$.

Oil of Vitriol

• With the chemical formula ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$, sulfuric acid is a mineral acid.
• Strong acid with hygroscopic and oxidizing characteristics is sulfuric acid.
• The names Mattling acid and Oil of Vitriol are other names for sulfuric acid.
• It is highly corrosive and acidic in nature.
• It dehydrates and oxidizes when present in higher concentrations.

Explanation for incorrect options

• ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$ (Sulfuric acid) is known as the ‘Oil of vitriol.’
• Hence, all other options (A), (C) and (D) are incorrect.

Therefore, the correct option is (B) ${\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathbf{SO}}_{\mathbf{4}}$.