Production method of H2SO4
What raw materials are required for the production of sulfuric acid?
The raw materials required are sulfur, oxygen, and water.
What is the optimum temperature range and pressure for the Contact Process?
The optimum temperature range for the Contact Process is between 450°C and 580°C, and the pressure is around 2 atmospheres.
This sulfur compound is essential in the Contact Process, where it is oxidized to form sulfur trioxide, which is then absorbed in oleum before reacting with water to form sulfuric acid.What sulfur compound is involved in this process?
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
What is one health-related reason why sulfur dioxide is considered a pollutant?
Sulfur dioxide is considered a pollutant because it can cause respiratory problems and aggravate conditions such as asthma and bronchitis when inhaled by humans.
What is the role of vanadium(V) oxide in the Contact Process, and where is it located in the system?
Vanadium(V) oxide acts as a catalyst to convert sulfur dioxide (SO₂) into sulfur trioxide (SO₃). It is located in the converter, which contains several layers of the catalyst.
How does the catalyst used in the Contact Process affect the reaction conditions?
The catalyst lowers the activation energy, allowing the reaction to proceed efficiently at a lower temperature while maintaining a high reaction rate, without affecting the equilibrium yield of sulfur trioxide.
In the rubber industry, sulfur is used to harden rubber, making it more durable for products like tires. What is this process called?
Vulcanization
How does sulfur dioxide lead to the formation of acid rain, and what are its environmental impacts?
Sulfur dioxide reacts with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid, which then falls as acid rain. This acid rain can damage ecosystems, harm aquatic life by lowering water pH, degrade soil quality, and corrode buildings and infrastructure.
What purification methods are used to remove impurities from sulfur dioxide before it is converted to sulfur trioxide, and why is this necessary?
Filtration, electrostatic precipitation, and scrubbing with water or alkaline solutions are used to remove impurities to protect the catalyst and ensure efficient conversion.
What general conditions of pressure and temperature are predicted by Le Chatelier’s principle to obtain the maximum yield of sulfur trioxide?
Low temperature and high pressure are predicted to maximize the yield of sulfur trioxide because the reaction is exothermic and involves a decrease in gas molecules. However, a moderate temperature (450–500°C) and a pressure of 1–2 atm are used to balance yield and reaction rate.
This compound is used in the production of materials like rayon and cellophane. It is also employed in rubber manufacturing and as a solvent in other industrial applications. What is this compound?
Carbon disulfide (CS₂)
How does sulfuric acid contribute to industrial processes like chemical synthesis and water treatment?
Sulfuric acid is essential in chemical synthesis for producing a range of chemicals, including hydrochloric acid, detergents, and synthetic fibers. It is also used in water treatment to adjust pH levels, ensuring safe drinking water and industrial use
Describe the final stage of the manufacture of sulfuric acid and provide the balanced chemical equation for it.
The final stage involves the absorption of sulfur trioxide (SO₃) gas into concentrated sulfuric acid to form oleum (H₂S₂O₇), which is then diluted with water to produce sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). The balanced equation is:
SO₃ (g) + H₂SO₄ (l) → H₂S₂O₇ (l) (oleum).
Then, oleum is diluted with water:
H₂S₂O₇ (l) + H₂O (l) → 2H₂SO₄ (aq).
With reference to Le Chatelier’s principle, explain the effect on sulfur trioxide yield when the concentration of oxygen is increased or decreased.
Increasing oxygen concentration shifts equilibrium to the right, increasing SO₃ yield, but beyond the optimal 2:1 SO₂-to-O₂ ratio, the effect is minimal. Decreasing oxygen shifts equilibrium left, reducing SO₃ yield and making the process less efficient.
Describe the use of sulfur dioxide in food preservation and its action as a bleaching agent.
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is used in food preservation to kill bacteria and prevent spoilage, especially in wine, dried fruits, and meats. Additionally, SO₂ is a bleaching agent in paper manufacturing and is used to whiten delicate materials like silk and wool, as it is gentler than chlorine-based bleaches.
What environmental issue results from the improper disposal of sulfuric acid, affecting both water and soil?
Water and soil contamination
Describe the stages involved in the production of sulfuric acid in the Contact Process.
1. Burning of sulfur: Sulfur is burned in oxygen to produce sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
2. Conversion of sulfur dioxide: Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is oxidized to sulfur trioxide (SO₃) in the presence of a vanadium(V) oxide catalyst.
3. Conversion of sulfur trioxide: Sulfur trioxide (SO₃) is absorbed in concentrated sulfuric acid to form oleum, which is then diluted with water to produce sulfuric acid.
What are the optimal overall conditions for the Contact Process to achieve both high yield and efficient production of sulfuric acid?
The best conditions are a temperature of 450–500°C to balance yield and reaction rate, a pressure of 1–2 atm since higher pressures provide little additional benefit, an excess of oxygen to shift equilibrium toward sulfur trioxide, and the use of a vanadium(V) oxide (V₂O₅) catalyst to lower activation energy and improve reaction efficiency.
How does sulfuric acid contribute to both oil refining and textile manufacturing?
In oil refining, sulfuric acid is used to remove impurities such as sulfur from crude oil. In textile manufacturing, it helps produce rayon by breaking down cellulose and assisting in the spinning process.
How does sulfuric acid contribute to soil acidification?
Sulfuric acid lowers soil pH, causing mineral leaching and nutrient loss, which weakens crops, reduces agricultural productivity, and damages ecosystems.