The largest volume chemical, used in fertilizers and processing.
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Sulfuric acid is the largest-volume industrial chemical, produced mainly by the contact process. Sulfur is burned to sulfur dioxide, which is oxidised to SO3 over a vanadium pentoxide catalyst, and the SO3 is absorbed into concentrated sulfuric acid to form oleum, which is then diluted with water. The acid is used for phosphate fertiliser manufacture, metal processing, battery production and petroleum refining. Global production runs to hundreds of millions of tonnes per year. Because of its wide use, sulfuric acid output is often used as an indicator of industrial activity.
Key ideas: Contact process: burn S or roast sulfide ore to SO2, oxidize 2SO2 plus O2 to 2SO3 over V2O5 catalyst at about 450 C and 1 to 2 atm (exothermic, so compromise temperature, 99 percent conversion with double absorption), absorb SO3 in 98 percent H2SO4 to make oleum H2S2O7, dilute with water. Direct SO3 into water forms a mist.
Common mistakes and connections: Mistake: absorbing SO3 in water; the reaction is too violent and creates mist, so oleum is used. High pressure is not needed because yield is already high. Main uses: fertilizers (superphosphate), detergents, batteries, pigments. Links to equilibrium, catalysis and acid rain.
The contact process 2SO2 + O2 to 2SO3 is exothermic. High temperature favours speed but lowers equilibrium yield, so plants use a vanadium catalyst at moderate temperature. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Phosphate rock is treated with sulfuric acid to make phosphoric acid for fertilisers.
The largest volume chemical, used in fertilizers and processing.
Sulfuric Acid Industry is a intermediate topic in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry. It builds on the vocabulary of beginner topics in this area.
Study these earlier topics in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry first: Petroleum Refining, Natural Gas, Coal.
The next topics in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry are Ammonia Industry and Chlorine Industry.
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Sulfuric Acid Industry, and the Biochemistry, Environment & Industry quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Sulfuric Acid Industry is topic 99 of 127 in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry.
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