Sulfuric acid (Sulfuric Acid; chemical formula: H2SO₄) is a highly corrosive and high-density liquid. When pure it is colorless, but often appears brown due to impurities. It is miscible with water in any proportion.
Production
Sulfuric acid is produced on a large scale through the contact method, which involves the catalytic oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to sulfur trioxide (SO3), which is then absorbed in water to form sulfuric acid.
Sulfuric acid in food applications
Sulfuric acid is one of the most dangerous acids as it can cause a lot of damage to the human body. Must be handled with great care.
Make mustard
Acid is added to the mixture to make it attractive and tasty. Acid can also be used to extend the shelf life of food, allowing it to be stored longer.
Pickle
Sulfuric acid is often used as a preservative in pickles because it inhibits the growth of bacteria. When these bacteria begin to grow, they begin to spoil the food and ruin its flavor. The acid used in making pickles has a pH between 6 and 9.
Vegetables, fruits, meat and some dairy products
Sulfuric acid prevents them from spoiling over time by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria that cause this problem.
Other uses
Industrial applications
chemical manufacturing
Sulfuric acid is a key raw material in the production of a variety of chemicals, including chemical fertilizers (ammonium sulfate and superphosphate), detergents, pigments, pharmaceuticals and explosives.
petroleum refining
Used in the alkylation process in petroleum refining to produce high-octane gasoline.
metal processing
Sulfuric acid is used in metal processing, such as pickling and cleaning steel, and in the production of zinc, copper and other metals.
Battery
Lead-acid batteries, commonly used in automotive and industrial applications, contain sulfuric acid as the electrolyte.
pH adjustment
Sulfuric acid is used in laboratories and various industrial processes to adjust the pH of solutions.
Dehydrating agent
Sulfuric acid is a powerful dehydrating agent due to its strong affinity for water. It is used for the dehydration of a variety of substances, including sugars and certain organic compounds.
water treatment
Sulfuric acid is used in water treatment processes to adjust the alkalinity of water and control pH.
Textile industry
In the textile industry, sulfuric acid is used in dyeing processes and in the production of synthetic fibers.
catalyst
Sulfuric acid can act as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions, promoting the rearrangement of molecules.
Clean and remove rust
A dilute sulfuric acid solution is used for cleaning purposes, including removing rust and scale from metal surfaces.
Explosives production
Sulfuric acid is an ingredient in the production of explosives such as nitroglycerin.
gutter cleaner
Dilute sulfuric acid is sometimes used as a drain cleaner to clear clogs caused by organic matter.
Although sulfuric acid has a variety of industrial applications, it must be handled with care due to its corrosive nature. Dilute solutions are often used for specific applications to minimize the risks associated with their strong acidity. Safety protocols and regulations govern its handling and storage across industries.
