Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄)

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a strong acid with highly corrosive properties. At higher concentrations, it acts as both an oxidizing agent and a dehydrating agent.

It is a thick, odorless, and colorless liquid that is soluble in water, releasing a large amount of heat when dissolved.

Sulfuric acid is one of the most important industrial chemicals, widely used in large-scale productions across many industries.

Properties of Sulfuric Acid

• Strong acidic nature.

• Highly corrosive.

• Completely ionizes in aqueous solutions to form hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) and hydrogen sulfate ions (HSO₄⁻).

• In highly dilute solutions, hydrogen sulfate ions further ionize to give sulfate ions (SO₄⊃2;⁻).

Uses of Sulfuric Acid

Fertilizer Production

Majorly used in the production of phosphoric acid and ammonium sulfate fertilizers.

Metal Industry

Used in industries for making iron and steel.

Helps remove rust from steel and iron (pickling process).

Chemical Manufacturing

Plays a key role in producing a wide variety of chemicals.

Used as a catalyst in many chemical processes.

Petroleum Refining

Involved in petrol refining processes.

Battery Applications

Used as an electrolyte in lead-acid storage batteries.

Industrial Applications

Essential for wastewater treatment and chemical fusion processes.

VulcanChem. (n.d.). Sulfurenic acid (1260-08-8) for sale. Retrieved August 16, 2025, from https://www.vulcanchem.com/product/vc20977103