Sulphuric acid, also known as vitriol, is a strong mineral acid composed of sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen with the molecular formula H2SO4. In its pure form, it is a colorless, odorless and highly corrosive liquid. Sulphuric acid is synthesized by treating sulfur dioxide produced from smelting sulfide ores with oxygen in the contact process. Commercially produced Sulphuric acid often contains inhibitors such as sulfur dioxide, iron and copper salts which impart a pale blue color.

Properties and Uses of Sulphuric Acid

Sulphuric acid has exceptional chemical properties that make it extremely useful for industrial applications. It is very hygroscopic in nature which means it readily absorbs moisture from air. Due to its strong acidic property, it is able to donate protons and act as a catalyst. It is a good oxidizing agent and can oxidize most metals above its own redox potential. These unique properties allow Sulphuric acid to be used in numerous industrial sectors like mining, fertilizers, petrochemicals, chemicals, automobiles, electronics and others. Some major uses include:

- Production of phosphate fertilizers by treating phosphate rock with Ultra-pure Sulphuric Acid. This is one of the largest applications and accounts for around 60% of Sulphuric acid production globally.

- Production of titanium dioxide which is widely used as a pigment in paints, paper, plastics, cosmetics etc. The chloride process which converts titanium ore to titanium tetrachloride uses Sulphuric acid.

- Production of various inorganic and organic chemicals like chloroSulphuric acid, oleum, alkylation of hydrocarbons, detergent alkylation and others.

- Extracting metals like copper, nickel, zinc from their ores by leaching process involving Sulphuric acid.

- Battery production where Sulphuric acid is used as electrolyte in lead-acid batteries.

- Oil refining industry employs Sulphuric acid as a catalyst or part of other processes in the refining of crude oil to produce fuels and petrochemical feedstocks.

- Pharmaceutical industry requires ACS reagent grade Sulphuric acid for synthetic processes of active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug formulations.

Get more insights on Ultra-pure Sulphuric Acid