Sulphuric Acid in the Laboratory
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Sulphuric Acid in the laboratory has a variety of uses due to its physical propertiies. The formula for Sulphuric Acid is H2SO4 and it is a strong mineral acid.
Sulphuric Acid has a molecular weight of 98.08g/mol and is a clear, colourless viscous liquid at 20 degrees C. Sulphuric Acid has a density of 1.84g/cm3, a melting point of 100 degrees C and a boiling point of 337 degrees C.
Sulphuric Acid has the following chemical properties:-
It is miscible with water although this reaction is highly exothermic.
Sulphuric Acid reacts with most metals at room temperature to generate Hydrogen and the corresponding sulphate, e.g.
Fe + H2SO4 -> H2 + FeSO4
Sulphuric Acid reacts with most bases, again to form the corresponding sulphate, e.g.
CuO + H2SO4 -> CuSO4 + H2O
Sulphuric Acid displaces weaker acids from their salts to give the corresponding acid and sulphate, e.g.
CH3COONa + H2SO4 -> NaHSO4 + CH3 COOH
Sulphuric Acid will undergo electrophilic aromatic substitution to give the Sulphonic Acid, e.g.
C6H6 + H2SO4 -> C6H5SO3H + H2O
When mixed with Nitric Acid, Sulphuric Acid produces Nitronium Ion NO2+ which is useful in electrophilic Aromatic substitution.
Sulphuric Acid has a number of synonyms including Fuming Sulphuric Acid, Oleum, Vitriol, Spirit of Vitriol and Oil of Vitriol, whilst its chemical name is H2SO4. All these names refer to the same product.
Care must be taken when handling and working with Sulphuric Acid in the laboratory as it is a Corrosive substance and can cause serious eye and skin damage. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must always be worn when handling the substance and these will include eye and face protection, full protective clothing and suitable ventilation.
For further information on the hazards of Sulphuric Acid in the laboratory and for information on packaging, labelling and transport of the product, please see the relevant Sulphuric Acid pages on this website.
http://www.sulphuric-acid.co.uk/sulphuric-acid-in-the-laboratory | Saved Friday, November 18th, 2011 - 5:12 AM