Identification of Sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid  is a highly corrosive strong mineral acid with the molecular formula H2SO4. It is a pungent, colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid which is soluble in water at all concentrations. Sometimes, it is dyed dark brown during production to alert people to its hazards. The historical name of this acid is oil of vitriol.

  

1. Chemical Properties

Name:Sulfuric acid

EINECS:231-639-5

Molecular Formula:H2SO4

CAS Registry Number:7664-93-9 

Appearance:Colourless liquid

Molecular Weight:98.07

Density:1.84

Boiling Point:290℃

Melting Point:10℃

Storage Temperature:Store at RT.

Refractive index:1.41827 (20 C)

Solubility:Miscible, liberates much heat

Stability:Stable, but reacts with moisture very exothermically, which may enhance its ability to act as an oxidizing agent. Substances to be avoided include water, most common metals, organic materials, strong reducing agents, combustible materials, bases, oxidising agents. Reacts violently with water - when diluting concentrated acid, carefully and slo

Usage:In the manufacture of dyestuffs, other acids, parchment paper, glue, purification of petroleum, pickling metal. Therap cat: dilute acid formerly in treatment of gastric hypoacidity. Concentrated acid formerly as a topical caustic.

2. Sulfuric acid  Hazard

Chemical Properties: Clear colorless oily liquid 

Air & Water Reactions: Reaction with water is negligible unless acid strength is above 80-90% then heat from hydrolysis is extreme, may cause severe burns. During sulfonation of mononitrobenzene by fuming Sulfuric acid , a leak from an internal cooling coil permitted water to enter the reaction tank. A violent eruption occurred due to the heat of solution . 

Reactivity Profile: Sulfuric acid is strongly acidic. Reacts violently with bromine pentafluoride . Exploded with para-nitrotoluene at 80 °C . An explosion occurred when concentrated Sulfuric acid was mixed with crystalline potassium permanganate in a vessel containing moisture. Manganese heptoxide was formed, which explodes at 70°C. A mixture of acrylonitrile with concentrated Sulfuric acid must be kept well chilled, otherwise a vigorous exothermic reaction occurs . Mixing Sulfuric acid (96%) in equal portions with any of the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: acetonitrile, acrolein, 2-aminoethanol, ammonium hydroxide (28%), aniline, n-butyraldehyde, chlorosulfonic acid, ethylene diamine, ethyleneimine, epichlorohydrin, ethylene cyanohydrin, hydrochloric acid (36%), hydrofluoric acid (48.7%), propiolactone, propylene oxide, sodium hydroxide, styrene monomer . Sulfuric acid (concentrated) is extremely hazardous in contact with carbides, bromates, chlorates, fulminates, picrates, and powdered metals . Allyl chloride may polymerize violently under conditions involving an acid catalyst, such as Sulfuric acid . React exothermically with sodium hypochlorite to produce chlorine gas. Mixing chloroSulfuric acid and 98% Sulfuric acid may evolve HCl . Zinc iodide reacts violently with H2SO4. 

Health Hazard :Corrosive to all body tissues. Inhalation of vapor may cause serious lung damage. Contact with eyes may result in total loss of vision. Skin contact may produce severe necrosis. Fatal amount for adult: between 1 teaspoonful and one-half ounce of the concentrated chemical. Even a few drops may be fatal if the acid gains access to the trachea. Chronic exposure may cause tracheobronchitis, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, and gastritis. Gastric perforation and peritonitis may occur and may be followed by circulatory collapse. Circulatory shock is often the immediate cause of death. Those with chronic respiratory, gastrointestinal, or nervous diseases and any eye and skin diseases are at greater risk. 

Fire Hazard: Sulfuric acid is highly reactive and capable of igniting finely-divided combustible materials on contact. When heated, Sulfuric acid emits highly toxic fumes. Avoid heat; water and organic materials. Sulfuric acid is explosive or incompatible with an enormous array of substances. Can undergo violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressure. May react violently with water. When heated, Sulfuric acid emits highly toxic fumes. Hazardous polymerization may not occur.