Acid (Sulfuric)

Sulfuric acid is a viscous liquid that is colourless and odourless.

Interestingly, it also occurs in nature in its purest form. It is not a precursor!

Sulphuric acid has the amazing ability to absorb water like a sponge from the ambient air. This process releases a huge amount of heat. This contributes to the charring of carbohydrate organic matter (e.g. sugar, wood, etc.), which is exposed to acid. It removes water molecules from carbohydrates, and the remaining carbon is converted into charcoal. It can also be used to dry gases due to its active absorption properties.

Sulfuric acid has a very different effect on metals. Oxidation directly depends on its concentration. A weak solution can be oxidised only by hydrogen ions, so the acid can only affect those substances that are in the hydrogen activity range. Among these metals is zinc. Lead is an exception, as the resulting compound PbSO4 is a salt that is resistant to dissolution.

With concentrated sulphuric acid, the situation is different. Sulphur is the main conductor of the reaction, which dissolves the metals. They must be in a series not lower than silver, including silver and silver. This combination produces a variety of chemicals. It depends on the metal itself, the temperature, and the concentration of H2SO4. For example, the oxidation of inactive copper produces sulphur dioxide - SO2.

Sulphuric acid behaves differently with active chemicals. In the case of zinc, not only sulphur oxide can be released. Free sulphur and hydrogen sulphide are also released depending on the activity of the metal.

Sulphuric acid is used almost everywhere.

The well-known mineral fertilisers superphosphate and ammonium sulphate are produced using sulphuric acid. They can be applied at any time of the year, so they are not washed away with precipitation. The production of agricultural fertilisers is the largest consumer of sulphuric acid. Such plants are often even combined into a single production complex.

Sulfuric acid is used to liberate mineral salts and acids.

It is also used in the production of paints and explosives.

It is often used in the food industry as a well-known preservative E 513, improving the characteristics of flour and yeast dough.

Sulphuric acid is also very commonly used in medicine.