ChemistryNEB 2074 (old course) (grade increment)
How is sulphuric acid manufactured by contact process. Write the action of Conc. H2SO4 on [6+4] i) Glucose ii) Phosphorous iii) Copper Give an important use of Conc. H2SO4 .
10Answer
S+O2O₂ (air), 400–450°CSO2
2SO2+O2V₂O₅ catalyst, 450°C2SO3
SO3+H2SO4exothermicH2S2O7
H2S2O7+H2Odilution2H2SO4
Manufacture of Sulphuric Acid by the Contact Process
Sulphuric acid () is one of the most important industrial chemicals and is manufactured on a large scale by the contact process. This process involves the following key steps:
Sulphuric acidSulphuric acid
1. Production of Sulphur Dioxide ()
- Sulphur or sulphide ores (e.g., pyrite, ) are burned in excess air to produce sulphur dioxide.
- Sulphur is melted and sprayed into a furnace where it burns in air to form .
- Impurities like arsenic and dust are removed by passing the gas through dust chambers and electrostatic precipitators.
2. Oxidation of to (Contact Process)
- The gas is mixed with more air and passed over a vanadium(V) oxide () catalyst at 450°C and 1–2 atm pressure.
- The reaction is exothermic, so a moderate temperature (450°C) is maintained to maximize yield (Le Chatelier’s principle).
- The catalyst () is used to speed up the reaction without being consumed.
3. Conversion of to Oleum ()
- is highly reactive and is dissolved in 98% concentrated sulphuric acid to form oleum (pyrosulphuric acid):
- Oleum is stored and transported because cannot be dissolved directly in water (it forms a mist of droplets, which is difficult to handle).
4. Dilution of Oleum to Produce Concentrated
- Oleum is diluted with water to produce 98% concentrated sulphuric acid:
- The reaction is highly exothermic, so water is added slowly to oleum to prevent splattering.
Purification and Packaging
- The final product is purified by distillation to remove impurities.
- Concentrated (98%) is stored in lead-lined iron tanks to prevent corrosion.
Action of Concentrated
P4+5H2SO4heat4H3PO4+SO2
Cu+2H2SO4heatCuSO4+SO2+H2O
(i) Action on Glucose ()
- Concentrated acts as a dehydrating agent and removes water molecules from glucose, leading to carbonization (blackening).
- The glucose is first dehydrated to form charcoal (C) and water.
- The reaction is highly exothermic and results in the formation of a black residue.
glucoseglucoseconc. H₂SO₄, Δ6C+6H2O
(ii) Action on Phosphorus ()
- Concentrated oxidizes phosphorus to form phosphorus pentoxide () and sulphur dioxide ():
- The reaction produces white fumes of (which reacts with moisture to form phosphoric acid, ).
- gas is also evolved, which has a choking smell.
(iii) Action on Copper ()
- Concentrated acts as an oxidizing agent and oxidizes copper to form copper(II) sulphate () and sulphur dioxide ():
- The reaction is slow at room temperature but speeds up upon heating.
- A blue solution of is formed, and gas (with a pungent smell) is evolved.
Important Use of Concentrated
One of the most important uses of concentrated is in the manufacture of fertilizers, particularly:
- Ammonium sulphate () – Used as a nitrogenous fertilizer.
- It is also used in:
- Petroleum refining (as a catalyst in alkylation).
- Dye and detergent industries (as a dehydrating agent).
- Battery acid (in lead-acid batteries).
- Laboratory reagent (for dehydration, nitration, and sulfonation reactions).
Discussion
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