Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the catalyst used in the sulfuric acid production process?
What is the catalyst used in the sulfuric acid production process?
The reaction to form sulfur trioxide is endothermic.
The reaction to form sulfur trioxide is endothermic.
False (B)
What is the final product of the contact process?
What is the final product of the contact process?
Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
The first step of the contact process involves the reaction of sulfur with __________ to produce sulfur dioxide.
The first step of the contact process involves the reaction of sulfur with __________ to produce sulfur dioxide.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following steps of sulfuric acid production with their corresponding reactions:
Match the following steps of sulfuric acid production with their corresponding reactions:
Signup and view all the answers
What happens to the temperature during the reaction in the converter when it reaches equilibrium?
What happens to the temperature during the reaction in the converter when it reaches equilibrium?
Signup and view all the answers
The waste gases produced during the process are considered reusable.
The waste gases produced during the process are considered reusable.
Signup and view all the answers
In the second step of the process, sulfur dioxide reacts with __________ to form sulfur trioxide.
In the second step of the process, sulfur dioxide reacts with __________ to form sulfur trioxide.
Signup and view all the answers
What happens to sulfur dioxide when the gases cool slightly before passing over the catalyst?
What happens to sulfur dioxide when the gases cool slightly before passing over the catalyst?
Signup and view all the answers
Increasing the temperature will always increase the yield of sulfur trioxide in the reaction.
Increasing the temperature will always increase the yield of sulfur trioxide in the reaction.
Signup and view all the answers
What substance is formed when sulfur trioxide dissolves in water?
What substance is formed when sulfur trioxide dissolves in water?
Signup and view all the answers
The process of absorbing sulfur dioxide in concentrated sulfuric acid results in the formation of __________.
The process of absorbing sulfur dioxide in concentrated sulfuric acid results in the formation of __________.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following reactions with their corresponding products:
Match the following reactions with their corresponding products:
Signup and view all the answers
What are the conditions that are used as a compromise for producing sulfur trioxide?
What are the conditions that are used as a compromise for producing sulfur trioxide?
Signup and view all the answers
Waste heat from sulfuric acid production is discarded without any reuse.
Waste heat from sulfuric acid production is discarded without any reuse.
Signup and view all the answers
Common strengths of oleum include __________, __________, and __________ percent.
Common strengths of oleum include __________, __________, and __________ percent.
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the main components of acid rain that can be released into the atmosphere?
What is one of the main components of acid rain that can be released into the atmosphere?
Signup and view all the answers
Sulfuric acid is safe to handle without precautions.
Sulfuric acid is safe to handle without precautions.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary use of sulfuric acid in Australia?
What is the primary use of sulfuric acid in Australia?
Signup and view all the answers
To neutralize a large spill of sulfuric acid, it should be treated with ____, followed by dilution with water.
To neutralize a large spill of sulfuric acid, it should be treated with ____, followed by dilution with water.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following substances with their corresponding uses:
Match the following substances with their corresponding uses:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following reactions involving sulfuric acid is virtually complete?
Which of the following reactions involving sulfuric acid is virtually complete?
Signup and view all the answers
When diluting sulfuric acid, one should add acid to water very quickly.
When diluting sulfuric acid, one should add acid to water very quickly.
Signup and view all the answers
What type of method can be used to prevent SO2 emissions during the Contact Process?
What type of method can be used to prevent SO2 emissions during the Contact Process?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Sulfuric Acid Production (The Contact Process)
- Sulfuric acid is a crucial chemical, vital for various industries
- It's manufactured in stages from sulfur dioxide (SO2)
- SO2 is often sourced from the smelting of sulfide ores (e.g., copper, zinc, lead) or oxidation of sulfur
- This method minimizes waste and emissions
Contact Process - Stage 1: Burner/Furnace
- If raw sulfur is used, it's first melted then sprayed into an enclosed furnace.
- The sulfur reacts with oxygen to produce sulfur dioxide (SO2),
- Air is cleaned and heated before entering the furnace.
Contact Process - Stage 2: Converter
- The converter contains a catalyst (vanadium(V) oxide, V₂O₅)
- SO2 reacts with more air to produce sulfur trioxide (SO3)
- This reaction is reversible and exothermic
- Temperature is controlled, fluctuating between 400-600°C
- The process needs temperature control to achieve the right equilibrium conversion of SO2 to SO3
- The higher the temp, the equilibrium favors reactants, but too low of a temp gives slow conversion
Contact Process - Stage 3: Absorption Tower
- SO3 dissolves readily in water to form sulfuric acid
- This reaction is intensely exothermic—it forms a mist.
- In actual practice, SO3 is bubbled through concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) forming oleum (H₂S₂O₇).
- This keeps the reaction under control; it absorbs more of the SO3.
- This also creates different concentrations of sulfuric acid (depending on the amount of SO3).
Oleum Production
- Oleum (sulfuric acid with absorbed SO₃) has varying concentrations (20%, 30%, 40% etc.)
- Commonly used in situations requiring little to no water
Waste Products
- Energy from the waste heat is often captured and reused
- Waste gases are carefully controlled and processed to remove sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide, sulfuric acid, and potentially elemental sulfur
Uses of Sulfuric Acid
- A crucial indicator of industrial activity
- Widely used in fertilizers (majority)
- Also used in other chemical processes, metal production, and petroleum refining.
- Transport and storage is hazardous, so production sites are often strategically located close to use
Other Important Considerations
- Sulfuric acid is highly corrosive, causing severe burns
- Spills are treated with appropriate neutralizing agents before water dilution.
- Acid is ALWAYS added to water, and very slowly, to control the reaction.
- The reaction releases excessive heat and should be carefully monitored.
- Sulfuric acid is diprotic, meaning it can donate two protons
- It has varied uses including dehydrating chemical compounds, oxidizing chemical compounds, cleaning metal surfaces
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge of the Contact Process for sulfuric acid production! This quiz covers the stages of the process, from the initial conversion of sulfur to sulfur dioxide, to the catalytic reactions producing sulfur trioxide. Learn how temperature and catalysts play crucial roles in this vital industrial process.
