Ácido Sulfúrico: Preparación y Fabricación

Sulphuric Acid

• Sulphuric acid is known as the "King of Chemicals" due to its widespread use in various industries.
• It was obtained in the Middle Ages by heating green vitriol crystals.
• Its molecular formula is H₂SO₄, and its relative molecular mass is 98.
• Its structure is shown as H-O-S-O-H.

Preparation of Sulphuric Acid

• Method 1: Oxidize sulfur dioxide using oxygen, chlorine, or bromine in an aqueous solution.
• Method 2: React sulphur with concentrated nitric acid.
• Method 3: Dissolve sulphuryl chloride in water.

Manufacture of Sulphuric Acid (Contact Process)

• Step 1: Produce sulfur dioxide. This involves roasting metallic sulfides (like iron pyrites) in air or burning sulfur.
• Step 2: Purify the gases. Remove impurities like arsenic oxide, as they hinder catalyst efficiency.
• Step 3: Catalytically oxidize sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide. A vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) or platinum catalyst is used in a contact tower, at 450°C.
• Step 4: Absorb sulfur trioxide in sulfuric acid to form oleum (H₂S₂O₇), then dilute the oleum with water to yield sulfuric acid.

Properties of Dilute Sulphuric Acid

• Acidic Property: Dilute sulfuric acid reacts with metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series to form metallic sulphates and hydrogen gas.
• Neutralization: Neutralizes bases (metal oxides/hydroxides) to form salts and water.
• Metal Carbonates/Bicarbonates: Liberates carbon dioxide from carbonates/bicarbonates.
• Metal Sulfides: Produces hydrogen sulfide gas.
• Metal Sulphates: Produces sulfur dioxide gas.

Properties of Concentrated Sulphuric Acid

• Non-volatile Nature: High boiling point (338°C) prevents evaporation.
• Dehydrating Agent: Removes water from various organic compounds, causing them to char or decompose.
• Oxidizing Agent: Oxidizes non-metals, metals, and some inorganic compounds.

Uses of Sulphuric Acid

• Metallurgy: Extraction and pickling of metals.
• Lead Accumulators: Used in car batteries.
• Oil Refining: Purification of oil products.
• Industrial Chemicals: Manufacture of fertilizers (like ammonium sulfate), dyes, drugs, and explosives.
• Other Uses: Includes the creation of acids like nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and others, and the creation of compounds like sodium sulphate.

Este cuestionario explora el ácido sulfúrico, conocido como el 'Rey de los Químicos', y sus métodos de preparación y fabricación. Aprenderás sobre su estructura, procesos de oxidación y el innovador Proceso de Contacto utilizado en su producción. ¡Pon a prueba tu conocimiento sobre este importante compuesto químico!