[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature of concentrated sulfuric acid, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, concentrated sulfuric acid has what nature?

Properties of concentrated sulfuric acid

concentrated sulfuric acid (chemical formula H₂ SOK5) is a colorless, odorless, and strongly corrosive liquid. It has a density of 1.84g/cm³, a boiling point of about 337°C, and is strongly hygroscopic and dehydrating. Concentrated sulfuric acid can be miscible with water in any proportion, but when it is mixed with water, it will release a lot of heat, so when mixing, it needs to be cautious, usually the acid is added slowly to the water. Due to its strong acidity and strong oxidation, concentrated sulfuric acid will show strong oxidation at high temperature, which can oxidize most metals and dehydrate with organic matter. Its chemical properties make concentrated sulfuric acid play an important role in a variety of industrial and chemical reactions.

Use of concentrated sulfuric acid

concentrated sulfuric acid is widely used in various industries, and its main uses include the following aspects:

1. fertilizer production concentrated sulfuric acid is used to make fertilizers such as phosphoric acid and ammonium sulfate, and is an indispensable raw material in agricultural production.
2. petroleum refining: In the petroleum industry, concentrated sulfuric acid is used for dehydration and catalysis in the oil refining process to help remove impurities and purify petroleum products.
3. chemical synthesis concentrated sulfuric acid is a basic raw material and catalyst for many chemicals such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, explosives and synthetic detergents.
4. Metal processing: Concentrated sulfuric acid is used for pickling steel, removing oxide skin and rust on the metal surface, and improving the surface quality of the metal.
5. Environmental protection field: Used in wastewater treatment to remove harmful substances in wastewater through neutralization and precipitation reactions.
6. Laboratory Applications as a strong acid and dehydrating agent, concentrated sulfuric acid is widely used in chemical experiments.

Upstream raw materials

the production of concentrated sulfuric acid is mainly carried out by the contact method (Contact Process) and the wet method (Wet Process). Its upstream raw materials mainly include:

1. sulfur: Sulfur is one of the main raw materials for the manufacture of concentrated sulfuric acid. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is generated by burning sulfur, and then further oxidized to sulfur trioxide (SO), and finally sulfuric acid is generated.
2. Pyrite: Pyrite (FeS₂) decomposes at high temperatures to produce sulfur and iron. Sulfur can be used to produce sulfur dioxide to make sulfuric acid.
3. Waste sulfuric acid and sulfate: Some industrial waste acid and sulfate can also be recycled and converted into concentrated sulfuric acid after treatment.

Downstream Products

concentrated sulfuric acid is an intermediate in many chemical products with a wide range of downstream products, including:

1. phosphoric acid: Used in the manufacture of phosphate fertilizer and phosphate chemical products.
2. ammonium sulfate: A commonly used nitrogen fertilizer.
3. Dyes and Pigments: The synthesis of many dyes and pigments requires concentrated sulfuric acid as a catalyst or dehydrating agent.
4. Drugs: Used in the synthesis of certain drugs, such as aspirin.
5. Explosives: Used in the manufacture of explosives such as nitroglycerin and TNT.
6. synthetic detergent concentrated sulfuric acid is used as a sulfonating agent in the production of synthetic detergents.

Storage method

due to the strong corrosiveness and reactivity of concentrated sulfuric acid, its storage method requires special attention:

1. vessel Material: Containers made of acid-resistant materials such as glass, special plastics (e. g. PTFE) or acid-resistant stainless steel should be used. Metals such as ordinary steel and aluminum will be corroded by concentrated sulfuric acid.
2. Storage Environment: Concentrated sulfuric acid should be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment. Keep away from inflammables and reducing substances.
3. Sealing measures: The storage container shall be sealed to prevent moisture absorption and volatilization of concentrated sulfuric acid. In addition, containers should be prevented from breakage and leakage, and the integrity of storage equipment should be checked regularly.
4. Safety measures: The storage area should be equipped with emergency eyewash, shower device and neutralizer (such as sodium bicarbonate solution) to deal with possible acid leakage and accidental contact. Personnel are required to wear protective equipment, including acid gloves, goggles and protective clothing.
5. Transportation requirements: During transportation, it is necessary to use special transportation containers that meet the regulations and comply with relevant safety transportation regulations to ensure the safe and correct transportation of concentrated sulfuric acid to the destination.

Conclusion

because of its unique chemical properties, concentrated sulfuric acid occupies an important position in industrial production. Its wide range of uses covers fertilizer production, petroleum refining, chemical synthesis, metal processing and environmental protection. The upstream raw materials for the production of concentrated sulfuric acid are mainly sulfur and pyrite, while the downstream products include phosphoric acid, ammonium sulfate, dyes, pharmaceuticals, explosives and synthetic detergents. Due to its strong corrosiveness and reactivity, the storage and transportation of concentrated sulfuric acid requires special care, ensuring that appropriate materials and equipment are used and strict safety measures are taken. Concentrated sulfuric acid plays an indispensable role in modern industry, and its safe and efficient management and use are essential.